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

During weekend evenings, late-night costume parties will offer adults a chance to unwind and celebrate with friends, featuring cocktails, live music and dancing in the island's downtown, the tourism bureau said. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 21 Oct. 2025

After a long day on horseback, unwind with a shot of whiskey at the ranch’s Old Trappmann Saloon. —Essence, 20 Oct. 2025

After the show, Bella gave fans glimpse inside her and Gigi's relatable way of unwinding. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025

Prosecutors and the media had unwound a web of lies from Santos over the years, including illegally spending donor money, lying about being Jewish, and fabricating his resume. —Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 18 Oct. 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