# unwinding

/ənˈwaɪndɪŋ/ (US) · /ʌnwˈaɪndɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unwinding
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to relax and let stress go after busy or hard work. You use this when you calm down at the end of the day.

For teachers: present participle of 'unwind'; refers to relaxing after stress or to unrolling something coiled.

## Examples

- She is unwinding with hot tea after work.
- After a long shift, he spends an hour unwinding with music before cooking dinner.
- After months of deadlines, they spent the weekend unwinding in the countryside, walking slowly and leaving phones off.

## Usage notes

- Intransitive when meaning to relax; transitive when meaning to unroll something.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.