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

Speaking of opening and closing, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is now easier to unfurl. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026

Four singles and two runs followed, unfurling the Chicago native’s outing. — Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 19 July 2026

At some point on Friday, the tapestry was due to be unfurled on a very long table with the help of 100 members of staff. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 17 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