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

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
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.
As much as Trump wants to move on from the conflict in the Middle East, whether the war winds down will largely depend on the leaders in Israel and Iran, and events outside of his control. Brian Bennett, Time, 24 June 2025 Adams announced the city was winding down its operation at the Roosevelt and other migrant shelters in February as the surge of immigration from the U.S. border with Mexico waned. Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025 As the conflict winds down, that type of rhetoric won’t be helpful. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2025 Modeled on the Camino de Santiago and linked to sixth-century St Brendan, the Kerry route starts in Tralee and winds down Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula, which has some of the most dramatic scenery and coastlines. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wind down

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wind down was in 1952

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wind down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20down. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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