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
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.
This soothing oil to calm your nerves Get this for the person in your life who has trouble unwinding and could use something to help melt away their stress (aka me). Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 6 Nov. 2024 The interiors of these suites are filled with handcrafted and individually placed Greek marble pieces, including deep marble soaking tubs — the perfect way to unwind further at the end of the day. Alessandra Amodio, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024 Make unwinding together a routine, like watching a funny show, sharing amusing stories or even browsing funny videos. Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Zoom out: For Wanda, the deal cements its retreat from the U.S. entertainment business and unwinds its most high-profile international acquisition. Tim Baysinger, Axios, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unwind 

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 28 Nov. 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

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