unfurl

verb

un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l 

unfurled; unfurling; unfurls

transitive verb

: to release from a furled state

unfurled the sails

intransitive verb

: to open out from or as if from a furled state : unfold

The flowers are starting to unfurl.

Synonyms of unfurl

• expand
• extend
• unfold
• open

Examples of unfurl in a Sentence

after the protestors had unfurled their banner, it stretched from one side of the visitors' gallery to the other

Recent Examples on the Web

Spring is the best time to divide hostas because the shoots are emerging and the leaves haven’t fully unfurled. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026

Giant banners featuring the same image of a serious Trump staring pointedly into the camera were also unfurled on the Department of Labor and Department of Agriculture buildings. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026

The site also offers shuttle tours (included with park access) where guides unfurl the history of it all. —Adam Kuehl, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026

The mystery project had been set to unfurl in theaters on March 12, 2027. —Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for unfurl

• cowgirl
• schoolgirl
• burl
• churl
• earl
• girl
• hurl
• merl
• merle
• perle
• swirl
• twirl

Kids Definition

unfurl

verb

un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l 

: to loose from a furled state : open or spread : unfold

unfurl sails

unfurl a flag