uncork

verb

un·​cork ˌən-ˈkȯrk How to pronounce uncork (audio)
uncorked; uncorking; uncorks

transitive verb

1
: to draw a cork from
uncork a bottle
2
a
: to release from a sealed or pent-up state
uncork a surprise
b
: to let go : release
uncork a wild pitch

Examples of uncork in a Sentence

uncork a bottle of wine The incident uncorked years of pent-up anger and frustration.
Recent Examples on the Web Forward Jordyn Huitema uncorked a textbook header off a cross from Ashley Lawrence that knotted things in the 82nd minute. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024 The server returned and uncorked their bottle of wine. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 7 Feb. 2024 Director Mike Hodges uncorks him as a criminal with a good — albeit violent — heart, who is capable of true masculine terror. Eric Farwell, EW.com, 27 Oct. 2023 When fully charged, the electric opener can uncork up to 30 bottles of wine on a single charge. Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2024 Over at Christie’s, Champagne bottles were surely uncorked after the sale of Joshua Johnson’s Mrs. Martha Dorsey and Mary Ann Dorsey, from around 1804. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 27 Jan. 2024 Less than a minute later, Pastrnak uncorked a shot from the left circle that slipped past Samsonov for the game-winner. Conor Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Apr. 2023 The technology has uncorked a slew of manipulated content that would previously have required skilled techies to produce. Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2023 When one of the volcano's flanks slipped, the effect was like uncorking a bottle of champagne: The sudden release of pressure allowed the gas in the magma system to expand, resulting in a huge explosion. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'uncork.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncork was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near uncork

Cite this Entry

“Uncork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncork. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

uncork

verb
un·​cork ˌən-ˈkȯ(ə)rk How to pronounce uncork (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to draw a cork from
2
a
: to release from a sealed or shut up state
uncork a surprise
b
: to let go : release
uncork a wild pitch

More from Merriam-Webster on uncork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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