unwind
Americanverb (used with object)
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to undo or loosen from or as if from a coiled condition.
to unwind a rolled bandage; to unwind a coiled rope.
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to reduce the tension of; relax.
to unwind a person with a drink.
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to disentangle or disengage; untwist.
to unwind one's legs from around the stool.
verb (used without object)
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to become unwound.
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to become relieved of tension; relax.
After work we can have a drink and unwind.
verb
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to slacken, undo, or unravel or cause to slacken, undo, or unravel
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(tr) to disentangle
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to make or become relaxed
he finds it hard to unwind after a busy day at work
Other Word Forms
- unwindable adjective
- unwinder noun
Etymology
Origin of unwind
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English onwinden; un- 2, wind 2
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.
It’s my guilty pleasure and helps me unwind.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
That trade would likely unwind if the Iran war ends, although a lot depends on whether the U.S. and its allies are able to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
Some international managers might view the long gaps between games as a chance to unwind.
From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026
Consumer companies were one of the last remaining sectors featuring sprawling conglomerates and many have unveiled plans to unwind those structures in recent years.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
I felt myself unwind as we walked, until my shoulders were shoulders again and not ear barricades.
From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon
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.
