unwind

verb

un·wind | \ ˌən-ˈwīnd

unwound\ ˌən-ˈwau̇nd

\; unwinding

Definition of unwind

transitive verb

1a : to cause to uncoil : wind off : unroll

b : to free from or as if from a binding or wrapping

c : to release from tension : relax

2 archaic : to trace to the end unwinding the labryinth and bringing the hero out— Laurence Sterne

3 : to undo (a financial arrangement or position) through the necessary legal or financial steps unwound most of its natural gas hedges — The New York Times

intransitive verb

1 : to become uncoiled or disentangled : unfold

2 : to become released from tension take a bath to unwind

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about unwind

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Examples of unwind in a Sentence

She unwound some thread from the spool. The fishing line unwound quickly. I wanted to unwind after a hard day.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pack the kids up, vacate the premises and leave your partner to unwind with Herbivore’s Soaking Salts and Muji’s perfect cotton PJs. — Tanya Moskowitz, WSJ, "The Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Rest and Relaxation," 8 May 2019 Karen Pence told a crowd recently that her husband likes to unwind on Fridays with a non-alcoholic beer. — Washington Post, "Mike Pence to visit Savannah, Georgia, for St. Patrick’s Day," 13 Mar. 2018 Hot tubs are almost synonymous with parties and time travel, but more people are investing in them as a way to relax and unwind, manage muscle soreness, and enjoy some social time with friends and family. — Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, "How to Buy a Hot Tub That Your Whole Family Will Enjoy," 30 Jan. 2019 Where To Stay Complete with spa, steam room and sauna, this hotel in the heart of the village offers many ways to unwind after a big day of shredding on the slopes. — Todd Plummer, Town & Country, "The Right Way To Ski Mount Buller, Australia’s Winter Playground," 10 Dec. 2018 The fan base spans the spectrum of Japanese society: die-hard fanatics crowded into the outfield, salarymen and salarywomen unwinding after work, families with young children and teenagers on dates. — Byron Tau, WSJ, "Take Me Out to the Japanese Ball Game," 24 Aug. 2018 Once inside, the women rip off their face-coverings, unwind their headscarves and after ordering one of the wide range of coffees on offer at the Kanakah cafe, sit down to chat with friends or work on their laptops. — Washington Post, "Saudi women on the front line of change," 17 June 2018 The part of the House bill that gave the states the option to unwind the law’s insurance reforms was literally named the MacArthur amendment. — Dylan Scott, Vox, "The 2 House Republicans who put it all on the line for Obamacare repeal could lose Tuesday," 5 Nov. 2018 To help employees unwind at the office, the company hosts fun activities, from laser tag and mall shopping sprees to bowling, kickball and cooking classes. — azcentral, "Top Companies to Work for in Arizona-Small Companies," 7 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unwind.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.