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

And its hotels are adapting to the change of pace, offering elegant stays for unwinding and exploring the natural beauty of the area regardless of the season. —Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024

That gallery included a good mix of red carpet shots with off-duty snaps, in which Gomez seemingly spent equal time slaying and then unwinding. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2024

Fans have endlessly theorized, debated and hunted for clues across the web, while investigative journalists have tried to unwind the mystery with no success. —Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 9 Oct. 2024

This inflatable spa offers the perfect way to unwind after a long day. —Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 5 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