unfold

verb

un·​fold ˌən-ˈfōld How to pronounce unfold (audio)
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
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 noun

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
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.
Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, condemned the developments unfolding this week. Andrea Hsu, NPR, 23 Jan. 2025 As announcements about game features and potential live services unfold, the anticipation builds for what could likely be a brilliant NASCAR gaming experience. Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 This is how one phishing attack unfolds: Targets receive an email from the official Dropbox email address. Perry Carpenter, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 The violence unfolded Tuesday morning at an apartment building on Day Ave. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for unfold 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfold was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near unfold

Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfold. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfold

verb
un·​fold ˌən-ˈfōld How to pronounce unfold (audio)
1
a
: to spread or cause to spread or straighten out from a folded position or arrangement
unfolded the map
b
: unwrap
2
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

More from Merriam-Webster on unfold

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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