unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd How to pronounce unwind (audio)
unwound ˌən-ˈwau̇nd How to pronounce unwind (audio) ; unwinding

transitive verb

1
a
: to cause to uncoil : wind off : unroll
b
: to free from or as if from a binding or wrapping
c
: to release from tension : relax
2
archaic : to trace to the end
unwinding the labryinth and bringing the hero outLaurence Sterne
3
: to undo (a financial arrangement or position) through the necessary legal or financial steps
unwound most of its natural gas hedgesThe New York Times

intransitive verb

1
: to become uncoiled or disentangled : unfold
2
: to become released from tension
take a bath to unwind

Examples of unwind in a Sentence

She unwound some thread from the spool. The fishing line unwound quickly. I wanted to unwind after a hard day.
Recent Examples on the Web Eagle Beach invites visitors to unwind in paradise, whether basking in the sun's warmth, snorkeling amidst marine life, or simply strolling along its picturesque shores. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024 Alternatively, unwind at the adults-only private beach and luxury spa. Karen Cicero, Parents, 8 Mar. 2024 The goal of the family-friendly resort is to unwind, unplug, and reconnect with nature. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2024 Inside their domed chambers, men and women, regardless of social class, commune together and unwind. Sam Metz, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 There’s no better way to relax and unwind at the end of the day than a bath. Taylor Gumm, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024 Each storyteller is identified by a single signifier—Eurovision, the Lady with the Rings—and the stories that the speakers unwind (in a way properly reminiscent of the Decameron itself) leap wildly off topic, with the morals of their tales and the pandemic itself almost invisible. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 For instance, couples looking for a chance to fully unwind might opt for a beach vacation or spa weekend in a beautiful destination, while those searching for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure may want to book an African safari. Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024 Here’s an insider’s guide to Hong Kong Arts Month—from where to stay to what to see to how to unwind. Passport By Forbeslife, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unwind.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwind was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near unwind

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

unwind

verb
un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd How to pronounce unwind (audio)
ˈən-
unwound -ˈwau̇nd How to pronounce unwind (audio) ; unwinding
1
a
: to cause to uncoil : wind off
b
: to become uncoiled or untangled
2
: to make or become free of tension : relax
wanted to unwind after a hard day

More from Merriam-Webster on unwind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!