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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The visuals, sourced from nature documentary footage, loop for about five minutes per wash cycle, giving users enough time to unwind without overstaying their soak. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025 If your child has trouble moving on from a specific concern, hear them out and offer support — and then gently recommend taking a break from the conversation to unwind, said Damour. Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025 These secluded retreats, situated on 13 acres bordering Pisgah National Forest and Spring Creek, are the ultimate place to unwind and unplug. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025 From hidden groves and quiet trails to windswept shores and off-the-beaten paths, these locations were chosen for their ability to offer visitors a true escape — places to unwind and enjoy moments of solitude and peace away from the crowds. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unwind

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwind. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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

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