unbuckle
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used without object)
Etymology
Origin of unbuckle
First recorded in 1350–1400, unbuckle is from the Middle English word unboclen. See un- 2, buckle
Explanation
To unbuckle is to release a belt or clasp — to unfasten. You're going to have to unbuckle your seat belt before you get out of the car. The verb unbuckle adds the prefix un- (""reverse of") to buckle, which stems from the Latin word buccula, "cheek strap of a helmet." So just as you buckle your helmet before you jump on your bike, you unbuckle it once you arrive at your friend's house.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr Nelson said he was able to unbuckle himself push himself to the ground.
From BBC • Feb. 18, 2025
Faye said she took off her mask so her seatmate could hear her and said “on the count of three I’m going to unbuckle him. We’re going to pull him out.”
From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2024
Lindsy Doan couldn’t open Kyle’s door and told him to unbuckle and come to her seat and leave his stuff behind.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2023
When they got to Feighan’s apartment, the younger man went to unbuckle his seatbelt, only to have the partner throw his arm across his chest to hold him down.
From The Verge • Aug. 10, 2021
He bent down to unbuckle the saddle from his horse.
From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
