unload

verb

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un·load | \ ˌən-ˈlōd

unloaded; unloading; unloads

Definition of unload

transitive verb

1a(1) : to take off : deliver

(2) : to take the cargo from unload the truck

b : to give outlet to : pour forth unloaded her bitter feelings

2 : to relieve of something burdensome, unwanted, or oppressive unloaded the pack animals unloaded himself to his friend

3 : to draw the charge from unloaded the gun

4 : to sell or dispose of especially in large quantities : dump

5 : to hit or propel with a great release of power unloaded his ninth homer

intransitive verb

1 : to perform the act of unloading

2 : to release or deliver something especially with power unloaded on the ball

3 : to give forth a usually sudden angry outburst the coach unloaded on his players

Other Words from unload Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About unload

Examples of unload in a Sentence

It took four hours to unload the truck. Could you help me unload the car? After the ship docked, they unloaded its cargo. I have to unload the groceries. Most ships unload at another dock now. The train made several stops to unload passengers. Rumor has it that the manager wants to unload him. Maybe he'll be traded to another team. She unloaded a huge amount of stock when prices fell. See More

Recent Examples on the Web Traditionally, carriers unload containers arriving from China at the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and then ship empties up to Oakland, where they are reloaded with almonds and other agricultural crops. — New York Times, 20 Apr. 2022 Nine months later, Stankey quietly began negotiations with Zaslav to unload WarnerMedia, allowing the phone company to exit Hollywood. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2022 Volunteers unload boxes of humanitarian aid at a storage facility in Vynohradiv, Ukraine. — Jillian Kay Melchior, WSJ, 21 Mar. 2022 The conversations don’t have to be about homework or books, and students can freely unload their personal problems and concerns. — Zareen Syed, chicagotribune.com, 4 Mar. 2022 Tanker trucks unload a slurry of reeking goo taken from poultry processing plants, pouring the ooze into holding ponds, which emit a sharp, acrid stench that reaches neighbors in Morgan County. — Dennis Pillion | Dpillion@al.com, al, 3 Mar. 2022 Truck drivers who are unwilling to go onward unload their cargo here. — Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022 Scouts will unload redeemable cans and bottles from cars. — courant.com, 23 Feb. 2022 Price declines make current shareholders disinclined to unload slugs of stocks, leaving fewer opportunities for banks and the enthusiastic buyers who covet the offerings. — Sridhar Natarajan, Bloomberg.com, 16 Feb. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unload.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.