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

Here are the five scenes where Hollywood still unwinds, one fry, martini and romaine leaf at a time. —Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025

Outside, guests can unwind at the hotel’s floating pool, surrounded by cabanas, lounge chairs, and a private dock. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025

Start your morning with sunrise yoga or unwind by the rooftop infinity pool, then head to The Piano Bar, where live jazz plays nine times a week. —Staff Author, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025

Cannabis beverages — sparkling, citrusy, slightly herbaceous and increasingly easy to find on menus in Charlotte — are quietly changing the way people unwind. —Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 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