unfold

verb

un·​fold ˌən-ˈfōld How to pronounce unfold (audio)
unfolded; unfolding; unfolds

transitive verb

1
a
: to open the folds of : spread or straighten out : expand
unfolded the map
b
: to remove (something, such as a package) from the folds : unwrap
2
: to open to the view : reveal
especially : to make clear by gradual disclosure and often by recital

intransitive verb

1
a
: to open from a folded state : open out : expand
b
2
: develop, evolve
as the story unfolds
3
: to open out gradually to the view or understanding : become known
a panorama unfolds before their eyes
unfoldment noun

Examples of unfold in a Sentence

The couch unfolds to form a bed. We'll have more news as events unfold. We watched the drama unfold on live television. As the story unfolds, we learn that the boy became an orphan when he was one year old.
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.
The attack unfolded against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war, which continues to inflame global tensions and has contributed to a spike in antisemitic violence in the United States. Colleen Slevin, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025 In the days since, an intense manhunt has unfolded, which authorities said is currently focused in north central Arkansas region. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025 As the episodes unfold, the narrative mutates, and what begins as a crime story bends into something more abstract, more interior. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 4 June 2025 The talks unfolded a day after a string of stunning long-range attacks by both sides, with Ukraine launching a devastating drone assault on Russian air bases and Russia hurling its largest drone attack of the war against Ukraine. Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfold

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfold was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfold. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfold

verb
un·​fold ˌən-ˈfōld How to pronounce unfold (audio)
1
a
: to spread or cause to spread or straighten out from a folded position or arrangement
unfolded the map
b
: unwrap
2
3
: develop sense 1a
as the story unfolds
4
: to open out or cause to open out gradually to the view or understanding
new technology unfolds before us

More from Merriam-Webster on unfold

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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