wind down

verb

wound down also winded down; winding down; winds down

intransitive verb

1

: to draw gradually toward an end

the party was winding down

2

: relax, unwind

wind down with a good book

transitive verb

: to cause a gradual lessening of usually with the intention of bringing to an end

Synonyms of wind down

• relax
• chill out

Examples of wind down in a Sentence

not being one for alcoholic beverages, I prefer to wind down with a cup of tea every night

Recent Examples on the Web

Browsing fashion websites has become a small joy in her routine—a way to wind down while exploring what is new each day. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

It’s designed to teach life skills through music, from trying new veggies to winding down for bed, with songs and content that have become a go-to resource for millions of parents looking to learn and bond with their children. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025

Later, wind down with a frosty glass of Naked Pig pale ale at craft brewery Back Forty Beer’s taproom; if hunger strikes, order a hearty, juicy burger too. —Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025

That excess inventory is expected to wind down over the course of Q4. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for wind down

• adown
• blowdown
• breakdown
• countdown
• crackdown
• crosstown
• downtown
• drawdown
• dropdown
• facedown
• godown
• hometown