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 magnificent property stretches across 3,000 square feet and comes with a granite hearth and wood-burning fireplace—ideal for travelers looking to unwind after a day on the slopes. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2025

The Global 8000 has four distinct living spaces onboard, as well as separate area for crew to unwind. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2025

This cushy sectional can be your go-to place for reading a book, unwinding after a long day, and, with a generous three-person seating capacity, a great addition to your outdoor hosting setup. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

The hotels are ideal for relaxation, with most offering in-house spas to unwind. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 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