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

What little distortion there is only accents the lush drums and synths, all unfurling as clearly as the vocals. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026

But as the tarp was still unfurling, both dugouts were on the field and near home plate as an argument broke out. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

The group unfurled a Palestinian flag during a performance at the Star Theatre in Singapore on July 29. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

The rumors haven’t left much to the imagination, but Samsung has unfurled its 2026 foldable lineup today. — ArsTechnica, 22 July 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