unscrew

verb

un·​screw ˌən-ˈskrü 

unscrewed; unscrewing; unscrews

transitive verb

1

: to draw the screws from

2

: to loosen or withdraw by turning

intransitive verb

: to become or admit of being unscrewed

Examples of unscrew in a Sentence

I unscrewed the jar lid.

You'll need to unscrew the cover before you remove it.

Recent Examples on the Web

Then, find the coils—usually located at the back of the appliance—behind a grill or panel, then unscrew the panel. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025

Simply unscrew the cap from the bottle, place some plastic film tightly over the opening and screw the lid back on. —Alexandra Schöb, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2025

Keep Light Bulbs From Sticking Outdoor light bulbs can have a knack for sticking in the socket after long periods of time, leaving you with the task of trying to unscrew a stubborn bulb without breaking the glass. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025

The 28-ounce reservoir opens from the top, rather than unscrewing from the base, for spill-free fill-ups and weekly deep cleans. —Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for unscrew

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

unscrew

verb

un·​screw ˌən-ˈskrü 

ˈən-

1

: to remove the screws from

2

: to loosen or withdraw by turning

unscrew a lightbulb