unfurl

[uhn-furl]

verb (used with object)

1. to spread or shake out from a furled state, as a sail or a flag; unfold.

verb (used without object)

1. to become unfurled.

unfurl

/ ʌnˈfɜːl /

verb

1. to unroll, unfold, or spread out or be unrolled, unfolded, or spread out from a furled state

Other Word Forms

• unfurlable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfurl¹

First recorded in 1635–45; un- ² + furl

Example Sentences

Once unfurled, it holds up in anything short of a gale.

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She takes out a bright orange rope, unfurls it in midair, and tosses it around the monster’s neck.

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She counted on three fingers, unfurling each in turn like a claw.

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Her fingers unfurled dangerously, like the slow unsheathing of claws.

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“The curly tips of unfurled fern fronds. It makes an excellent tongue twister, doesn’t it? Unfurled fern fronds! Unfurled fern fronds!”

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Related Words

• unfold 
• unroll 
• unwind