unfasten

verb

un·​fas·​ten ˌən-ˈfa-sᵊn How to pronounce unfasten (audio)
unfastened; unfastening; unfastens

transitive verb

: to make loose: such as
b
: undo
unfasten a button
c
: detach
unfasten a boat from its moorings

Examples of unfasten in a Sentence

gently unfastened the strings of the baby's hood
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the driver's seat belt is unfastened and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning audible warning may be activated for an insufficient amount of time, making the vehicles noncompliant with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 His bow tie wants to be untied, his vest buttons unfastened, his top hat removed. James Meyer, Artforum, 1 May 2025 On Black Friday last year, with the Chiefs and Raiders reserved for a national TV audience, quarterback Patrick Mahomes slammed a football between his hands and angrily unfastened his chin strap before yelling toward the sideline. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025 Grant, meanwhile, wore a simple black suit and a white button-up shirt with the first few buttons unfastened in a boyish manner. Raven Brunner, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfasten

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfasten was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfasten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfasten. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfasten

verb
un·​fas·​ten ˌən-ˈfas-ᵊn How to pronounce unfasten (audio)
: to make loose: as
b
: undo sense 1
unfasten a button
c
: detach
unfasten the boat from its moorings

More from Merriam-Webster on unfasten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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