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

Airlines are taking their time unwinding the current consumer regulations. —Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025

Towns to Visit Albufeira Albufeira is the Algarve's classic resort hub where travelers can unwind on the golden beaches like Falésia and find a lively marina filled with shops, restaurants, and plenty of nightlife. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025

After a home game, these spots are the perfect place for Ellie to unwind. —Marc Williams, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Sep. 2025

Below, Duxbury sheds some light on what her next chapter has in store—including her new approach to makeup, go-to products, and favorite ways to unwind. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 25 Sep. 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