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 labyrinth 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 of unwind

• 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

This plush, oversized lounger is the perfect place to unwind. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026

Restaurants serve authentic Italian fare over similarly spectacularly views of the sea, while guests unwind over transformative treatments in the opulent Irene Forte Spa between dips in the shimmering pool. —Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Apr. 2026

There's nothing like an evening spent unwinding with friends around a fire pit. —Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026

Your bathtub should feel like a calming place to unwind and enjoy an inviting soak after a long day. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026

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