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

The internal Department of Homeland Security office that oversees detention facilities and conditions is winding down its operations — even as the administration places more people in detention, and for longer stints. —Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 7 May 2026

Many drivers were hopeful in mid-April, amid signs that the conflict could be winding down, and gasoline prices fell daily for almost two weeks. —Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 6 May 2026

First, there was the stealth appearance of a B-2 Spirit bomber, which glided like a quiet bird in flight as the national anthem, sung by 10-year-old Alexandria Arango, was winding down. —Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 2026

With the draft completed and free agent signings winding down, here’s a look at the biggest winners and losers from the Raiders’ offseason. —Sam Warren, New York Times, 6 May 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