unspool

verb

un·​spool ˌən-ˈspül 

unspooled; unspooling; unspools

transitive verb

1

: to unwind from a spool

unspool the cable

2

: to execute or present artfully or gracefully

unspooled a jump shot

unspooling an intricate tale

intransitive verb

: to be presented or revealed on or as if on a movie screen

Examples of unspool in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, much to its credit, the book unspools an unhurried, capacious story of human society’s collective journey to the brink of annihilation, and of the individuals and movements that have, so far, held us back from the edge. — Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026

Over the next six weeks, the Oscars race will unspool in waves — the thin air of Telluride, the carpets of Venice’s Lido, the crowds of Toronto, the tastemakers of New York — with a single afternoon screening able to rewrite the whole narrative. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026

Around the world, researchers are seeking to unspool the mysteries of Kelch13. — Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Unpaved roads unspool in all directions, luring gravel bikers who test their quads against the rolling terrain. — Pam Leblanc, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for unspool

• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool
• guayule
• lobule
• misrule
• preschool
• pustule
• whirlpool