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

The former will, before a collision, pull passengers back into the best position to absorb the impact of a crash by tightening the belt, while the latter — which activates milliseconds after a collision occurs — allows the seat belt to gently unspool to relieve the force on that person’s chest. —Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 21 Sep. 2025

McClanahan’s book spans generations to unspool and then weave together family connections. —Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2025

When activated, these spires unspool in flowing water, reducing drag and increasing lift. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025

The first two episodes of Italian maestro Marco Bellocchio’s new series for HBO Max, Portobello, will unspool at the Venice Film Festival on Monday. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2025

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