unfurl
verb (used with object)
to spread or shake out from a furled state, as a sail or a flag; unfold.
were unfurling
-
past progressiveof unfurl.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Noons were hot, and nights were chill; bird carols were infrequent; chrysanthemums were unfurling their buds.
From Polly of the Hospital Staff by Emma C. Dowd
The dull thunder of a salute came from the shore, the yards were manned, sails were unfurling, and the anchor chains were grinding apeak.
From Kilgorman A Story of Ireland in 1798 by Talbot Baines Reed
You unfold a table-cloth as if you were unfurling a sail.
From The Frozen Deep by Wilkie Collins
Then, to the dismay of Antony's veterans who watched the battle from the headland of Actium, it was seen that the Egyptians were unfurling their sails from the long yards.
From Famous Sea Fights From Salamis to Tsu-Shima by John Richard Hale
The air was full of sunshine, like golden dust, and all the plants had taken a leap forward in the night, and were unfurling their crumpled flags as speedily as they might.
From The Silent Isle by Arthur Christopher Benson
