unfurl

verb

un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l How to pronounce unfurl (audio)
unfurled; unfurling; unfurls

transitive verb

: to release from a furled state

intransitive verb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The designs will be unfurled from Tuesday to Friday in Shanghai, at the China International Furniture Fair, known as CIFF. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025 When To Divide Hostas 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, 9 Sep. 2025 Events unfurled to the rhythm of only one racket. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 The first violins unfurl a lilting, lightly bopping tune in D minor. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfurl

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfurl was in 1641

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Cite this Entry

“Unfurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfurl. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfurl

verb
un·​furl ˌən-ˈfər(-ə)l How to pronounce unfurl (audio)
: to loose from a furled state : open or spread : unfold
unfurl sails
unfurl a flag

More from Merriam-Webster on unfurl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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