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

This, in turn, could significantly simplify deployment, allowing robotic missions to unspool miles of sensing lines without the need for digging or complex installation. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2026

Much like his frenemy, Burgos takes his political messaging to the public via Instagram and TikTok, trying to unspool wonky and complicated housing policy in 60-second clips. —Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 23 Mar. 2026

As the spotlight settles on each of them, that person unspools a monologue, a candid account of their origins, their desires and dreams, their galaxy of excuses and explanations. —Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026

Against that backdrop of very real terror, a different story starts to unspool, as Justin shares a series of recordings with Evy that have been sent to the podcast. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 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