verb
unwind
uhn-WYND
Unwind (verb) means to relax and let go of stress after a busy or tense period. Example: “She likes to unwind with a book after work.”
verb
1
To relax and let go of stress after a busy or tense period.
"She likes to unwind with a book after work."
"We spent the weekend unwinding at the coast."
2
To undo something that has been wound or twisted, or to reverse a complicated arrangement.
"The technician had to unwind the tangled cable."
"The bank slowly unwound its risky investment position."
How to use unwind
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither to relax after stress, or to undo/reverse something that was wound up or complicated.
Common pairings
unwind after work
unwind a position
unwind a deal
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Word forms
- Plural
- unwinds
- Third person singular
- unwinds
- Past tense
- unwound
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She likes to _____ with a book after work.
Etymology
From Old English unwindan, from un- (\"reversal\") plus wind (\"to coil\").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “unwind” mean?
The word “unwind” means to relax and let go of stress after a busy or tense period. In plain terms, either to relax after stress, or to undo/reverse something that was wound up or complicated.
How do you pronounce “unwind”?
“Unwind” is pronounced uhn-WYND (/ʌnˈwaɪnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “unwind” in a sentence?
Here is “unwind” used in a sentence: “She likes to unwind with a book after work.”
What part of speech is “unwind”?
“Unwind” is a verb.
Where does the word “unwind” come from?
The word “unwind” comes from Old English. From Old English unwindan, from un- (\"reversal\") plus wind (\"to coil\").
How many meanings does “unwind” have?
“Unwind” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to relax and let go of stress after a busy or tense period.
