unspool

verb

un·​spool ˌən-ˈspül How to pronounce unspool (audio)
unspooled; unspooling; unspools

transitive verb

1
: to unwind from a spool
unspool the cable
2
: to execute or present artfully or gracefully
unspooled a jump shot
unspooling an intricate tale

intransitive verb

: to be presented or revealed on or as if on a movie screen

Examples of unspool in a Sentence

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 twists and turns of this destabilizing novel, which unspools the competing narratives of the aforementioned characters, will leave readers wondering what is real and what is performance. Shannon Carlin, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024 Besides, there are so many other surprising and revealing treasures in the narrative that unspools from early childhood on. Nancy Kruh, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024 The market runs concurrently with the International Film Festival of India, which unspools Nov. 20-28 across Goa. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024 American Film Festival will unspool from Nov. 5 to 11. Marta Balaga, Variety, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unspool 

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unspool was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near unspool

Cite this Entry

“Unspool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unspool. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on unspool

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!