unpack

verb

un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak 

unpacked; unpacking; unpacks

transitive verb

1

a

: to remove the contents of

unpack a suitcase

b

: unburden, reveal

must … unpack my heart with words

—William Shakespeare

2

: to remove or undo from packing or a container

unpacked his gear

3

: to analyze the nature of by examining in detail : explicate

unpack a concept

4

: decompress sense 2

unpack a compressed file

intransitive verb

: to engage in unpacking a container

unpacker noun

Synonyms

• unload

Examples of unpack in a Sentence

It's been a year since I moved here and I still haven't unpacked all of my books.

I unpacked my suitcase as soon as I arrived home.

By the time we got to the hotel, I was too tired to unpack.

She's good at unpacking complex concepts.

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier today, YouTube’s EMEA boss Pedro Pina took part in an on-stage conversation with BBC Studios digital SVP Jasmine Dawson to unpack their partnership. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025

There is just soooo much to unpack. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025

Panelists will unpack the day-to-day challenges of designing action, the hurdles performers face on set, and the growing influence of stunt designers stepping behind the camera. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025

Earlier this week, BFI London Film Fest director Kristy Matheson unpacked her ambitious 2025 program with THR. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for unpack

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

unpack

verb

un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak 

ˈən-

1

: to separate and remove things packed

got home and unpacked

2

: to open and remove the contents of

unpack a trunk