unfold

verb

un·​fold ˌən-ˈfōld 

unfolded; unfolding; unfolds

transitive verb

1

a

: to open the folds of : spread or straighten out : expand

unfolded the map

b

: to remove (something, such as a package) from the folds : unwrap

2

: to open to the view : reveal

especially : to make clear by gradual disclosure and often by recital

intransitive verb

1

a

: to open from a folded state : open out : expand

b

: blossom

2

: develop, evolve

as the story unfolds

3

: to open out gradually to the view or understanding : become known

a panorama unfolds before their eyes

unfoldment

ˌən-ˈfōl(d)-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• expand
• extend
• fan (out)
• flare (out)
• open
• outspread
• outstretch
• spread (out)
• stretch (out)
• unfurl

Examples of unfold in a Sentence

The couch unfolds to form a bed.

We'll have more news as events unfold.

We watched the drama unfold on live television.

As the story unfolds, we learn that the boy became an orphan when he was one year old.

Recent Examples on the Web

This December, the Caroling Party unfolded in a one-story ranch-style house in the Villages of Shady Hollow subdivision, located just off Frate Barker Road. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Dec. 2024

Major changes in the cosmos are beginning to unfold this year, impacting the collective and you as an individual. —Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 23 Dec. 2024

This cuvée continually unfolds in the glass - this is a memorable wine! —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Both will be in the spotlight during the week with their rehab in what could determine how Saturday’s game unfolds. —Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

unfold

verb

un·​fold ˌən-ˈfōld 

1

a

: to spread or cause to spread or straighten out from a folded position or arrangement

unfolded the map

b

: unwrap

2

: bloom entry 2 sense 1

3

: develop sense 1a

as the story unfolds

4

: to open out or cause to open out gradually to the view or understanding

new technology unfolds before us