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.
Mammalian claws may have unfurled into flattened nails because there was some upside to the change. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 21 Nov. 2024 Demonstrators unfurled banners and shouted slogans, but Harris turned the interruptions into an opportunity to reinforce her commitment to democracy. Nik Popli/charlotte, N.c., TIME, 3 Nov. 2024 The Dodgers came and went without them being unfurled in celebration. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2024 His work featured a nude male athlete unfurling the Swedish flag as behind him athletes waved flags of other participating nations. Tim Genske, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near unfurl

Cite this Entry

“Unfurl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfurl. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

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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