unwind

verb

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

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 labyrinth and bringing the hero out …Laurence Sterne
3
: to undo (a financial arrangement or position) through the necessary legal or financial steps
unwound most of its natural gas hedges …The 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.
Following the ride, we were treated to a charcuterie spread, champagne and a campfire to unwind and relax after our outing on the trails. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026 In modern times, sports and games have evolved into a lucrative and competitive industry, while other leisure activities, such as card and video games, can be competitive or just serve as a way to unwind or socialize. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 Trump signed the sweeping executive order on his first day back in the White House, aiming to unwind a cornerstone of US immigration law with implications for millions. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026 Exploring debt relief options early, before a judgment is entered, gives you significantly more leverage than trying to unwind a garnishment that's already underway. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwind. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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

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