uncouple

verb

un·​cou·​ple ˌən-ˈkə-pəl How to pronounce uncouple (audio)
uncoupled; uncoupling; uncouples

transitive verb

1
: to release (dogs) from a pair of joined collars
2
: detach, disconnect
uncouple railroad cars
uncoupler noun

Examples of uncouple in a Sentence

uncoupled the two railroad cars
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.
The crews were forced to uncouple their hoses, leave them lying on the forest floor, and beat a retreat. Keith Matheny, USA TODAY, 20 July 2024 Spotify has since uncoupled somewhat from its biggest podcasters. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 10 May 2024 The decision, which found the defendants liable for about $1.8 billion in damages, a sum that could grow to more than $5 billion, could ultimately uncouple the listing and buying agents’ commissions, so sellers would no longer be obligated to pay the buyer’s portion. Ronda Kaysen, New York Times, 17 Nov. 2023 The man slid soundlessly to the ground, a round hole in his forehead from which the blood bubbled and ran down into his eyes carrying with it his slowly uncoupling world visible to see. Chris Koseluk, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for uncouple 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near uncouple

Cite this Entry

“Uncouple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncouple. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

uncouple

verb
un·​cou·​ple ˌən-ˈkəp-əl How to pronounce uncouple (audio)
uncoupled; uncoupling
-ˈkəp-(ə-)liŋ
: disconnect
uncouple railroad cars
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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