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

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

Banners unfurled at off-campus houses ranged from the profane to the obscene. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026

Sheets of plastic had been place in the Great American Ball Park visiting clubhouse since the day before, attached to the ceiling with binder clips and folded up above the lockers, ready to be unfurled after the game for the Dodgers’ celebration. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 17 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