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.
Or wind down with a refreshing, private rain-barrel shower in the woods. Kate Donnelly, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 Spring sports are winding down for area high school teams, with only baseball, softball and gymnastics remaining to decide CIF San Diego Section division championships, starting this week. Ben Ali H Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025 That should once again be a classic offensive showdown, a perfect way for NFL fans to wind down after eating lots of food. Seth Quinn, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 Art of the — no big — deal A trade war that started with fireworks is quietly winding down. Quartz Staff, Quartz, 13 May 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 23 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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