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

Unclench your jaw, relax your shoulders and take some time to unwind instead. —Lucille Sherman, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

Along with the desk and chair, there’s a cosy armchair and footstool, perfect for unwinding with a book. —Yasemen Kaner-White, theweek, 25 Oct. 2024

Lindsay props her feet up on the ottoman to unwind after her shift at the classic New York pizza eatery Sbarro. —Carlos Greaves, The New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2024

The hotel blends in with this stunning setting, setting out hammocks and bean bags placed on the beach near the infinity pool, inviting guests to unwind while gazing out at the water or the island interior. —Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

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