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

On Friday, Sézane, a popular Parisian lifestyle and ready-to-wear brand, unfurled a new 2,800-square-foot boutique at 1045 Madison Avenue, joining the brand’s two New York permanent locations in NoLIta and the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

There are layered financial and sociological changes currently unfurling. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

The Hartford dates mark the opening two nights of Rodrigo’s new tour—expect moments of major fashion history, imbued with Rodrigo’s own personal storytelling, to continue unfurling. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2026

The fireside living room overlooks one of three ponds on the property, while doors on the main level unfurl to multiple heated patios with alfresco dining and lounge areas, plus a fire pit and hot tub. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 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