unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd 

unwound ˌən-ˈwau̇nd  ; 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 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

Synonyms

• chill
• chill out [slang]
• de-stress
• decompress
• loosen up
• mellow (out)
• relax
• wind down

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

However, in the months following the expiry of continuous enrollment, KFF surveys revealed that many individuals did not understand the implications of the unwinding process. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025

Finding a way to relax and take your mind off football can be challenging, but Colwill uses Lego to unwind. —The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025

Cannabis products can be a wonderful way to unwind, pamper yourself, and experience a deep sense of relaxation. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025

Sometimes, my favorite way to unwind after a long day on the slopes is in a comfy lounge suit on the couch, sipping wine and watching the snowfall. —Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd 

ˈən-

unwound -ˈwau̇nd  ; 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