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unspool

verb

un·​spool ˌən-ˈspül How to pronounce unspool (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2020, his semi-autobiographical work Leopoldstadt—which unspools his own Jewish history in an epic family saga set in 19th century Vienna—won an Olivier and four Tony awards. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2025 There’s a lot of work to unspool at the Upper East Side museum, given its 17 curatorial departments with art and artifacts that span 5,000 years. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 Nov. 2025 Nine of these films unspool as world or international premieres, nine have received the support of the Atlas Workshops, the festival’s industry and talent development platform, and 14 represent their countries in the race for the Academy Awards. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025 The handover was announced as IFTA’s flagship event, the American Film Market is set to unspool in LA after a one-year detour to Las Vegas in 2024. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unspool

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unspool was in 1940

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Cite this Entry

“Unspool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unspool. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

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