unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd 

unwound ˌən-ˈwau̇nd  ; unwinding

transitive verb

1

a

: 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

• relax

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

The current administration has unwound certain HHS policy efforts that were put in motion by former President Biden. —Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

While some retail traders may score quick profits, history suggests such episodes of exuberance can quickly unwind, leaving latecomers nursing losses. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 July 2025

These spots become personal retreats perfect for reading, relaxing, or simply unwinding, reinforcing the sense that your home is a place of comfort and ease. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025

After hiking along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, unwind at the Resort Kumano Club, a 38-room all-inclusive stay with unlimited beer and sake. —Catherine Heald, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for unwind

• aligned
• alined
• assigned
• behind
• combined
• confined
• consigned
• declined
• defined
• designed
• divined
• enshrined

Kids Definition

unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd 

ˈən-

unwound -ˈwau̇nd  ; unwinding

1

a

: to cause to uncoil : wind off

b

: to become uncoiled or untangled

2

: to make or become free of tension : relax

wanted to unwind after a hard day