unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd How to pronounce unwind (audio)
unwound ˌən-ˈwau̇nd How to pronounce unwind (audio) ; 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 outLaurence Sterne
3
: to undo (a financial arrangement or position) through the necessary legal or financial steps
unwound most of its natural gas hedgesThe New York Times

intransitive verb

1
: to become uncoiled or disentangled : unfold
2
: to become released from tension
take a bath to unwind

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 inflatable spa offers the perfect way to unwind after a long day. Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024 Credit would outperform, while traders would unwind their bullish cyclical and value trades. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2024 The measure has been the focus of intense debate this year as Republicans and law enforcement advocates have called to unwind some parts of Proposition 47. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2024 The exterior decks provide spaces to both entertain and unwind. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unwind 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unwind.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwind was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near unwind

Cite this Entry

“Unwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwind. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

unwind

verb
un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd How to pronounce unwind (audio)
ˈən-
unwound -ˈwau̇nd How to pronounce unwind (audio) ; 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

More from Merriam-Webster on unwind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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