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

Now, the girl’s account, detailed in court documents, is giving a first glimpse into what unfolded. —Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024

The bankruptcy process has unfolded in molasses-like fashion over the past 18 months, with Diamond presenting its plan to creditors for how to emerge and resume its previous role in the ecosystem. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024

Perhaps Tapestry will wait to see how the next election unfolds to pursue other acquisitions since the timing of this one is unfortunate, considering the agreement deadline and the possibility of being sued by Capri. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Geneticist Dmitri Belyaev had asked her to head an experiment using foxes, which are closely related to dogs, to better understand how the process of domestication unfolded and what evolutionary forces were in play. —Lee Alan Dugatkin, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 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