unscrew

verb

un·​screw ˌən-ˈskrü How to pronounce unscrew (audio)
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 Cruz then grabbed a bottle of Shiner Bock, a dark lager, unscrewed the cap and took a swig. Sarah Bahari, Dallas News, 1 Sep. 2023 Simply unscrew them and blow into the screw to ensure the tube is clear. Annie Lane, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Aug. 2023 To use the hair dryer, just unscrew the brush head. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 21 Aug. 2023 Before starting this project, take off the cabinet doors; pull out the drawers; and unscrew the knobs or pulls. Grace Haynes, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2023 With the cover off, unscrew the lightbulb and clean the inside and outside of the base with a soft, damp cloth. Maryal Miller, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2023 Some users also unscrew the hopper, remove the burr and the rubber ring, and do another vacuum, brush, or wipe down with a wet cloth of those parts before reassembling and brewing. Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2023 To use the can holders, unscrew the top of the container, place your drink inside, and then put the top back on to hold the can in place. Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 13 July 2023 Just unscrew the bottom and dump out the spent coffee grounds. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 13 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unscrew.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unscrew was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near unscrew

Cite this Entry

“Unscrew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unscrew. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

unscrew

verb
un·​screw ˌən-ˈskrü How to pronounce unscrew (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to remove the screws from
2
: to loosen or withdraw by turning
unscrew a lightbulb

More from Merriam-Webster on unscrew

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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