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

As the work is winding down, Lois mans a makeshift grill or outdoor oven and prepares dinner, often incorporating produce procured on-site. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Now that official visits are starting to wind down, more and more teams and recruits are getting a clearer picture about what the future holds for them in the 2027 cycle. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

As larger humanitarian organizations expand their operations, WCK expects its emergency role to gradually wind down. — Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

As military action between the United States and Iran appears to be winding down and negotiations continue, the remaining issues are frustrating commentators eager to spin this as another example of endless conflict. — Shaun McCutcheon, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026

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