unfolded; unfolding; unfolds
1
2
: to open to the view : reveal
especially
: to make clear by gradual disclosure and often by recital
3
: to open out gradually to the view or understanding : become known
a panorama unfolds before their eyes
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
Deep in the heart of Southeast Asia’s tropical rainforests, a marvel of nature unfolds daily — a story of explosive heroism that redefines sacrifice.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
The shooting unfolded the night of March 7 at Carteret St. and Broadway, near a McDonald’s and a White Castle not far from the Passaic River.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2025
The floors slide out from the center section and the walls, prebuilt and attached, unfold and lock into place with the windows already built in.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Reuniting producers of ur-ER drama ER with one of its stars, Noah Wyle, Max’s The Pitt, whose debut season unfolds in real time over a single shift, is the best and buzziest of the bunch.
—Judy Berman, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfold
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.
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
The shooting unfolded the night of March 7 at Carteret St. and Broadway, near a McDonald’s and a White Castle not far from the Passaic River.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2025
The floors slide out from the center section and the walls, prebuilt and attached, unfold and lock into place with the windows already built in.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Reuniting producers of ur-ER drama ER with one of its stars, Noah Wyle, Max’s The Pitt, whose debut season unfolds in real time over a single shift, is the best and buzziest of the bunch.
—Judy Berman, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unfold
Cite this Entry
“Unfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfold. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unfold
verb
un·fold
ˌən-ˈfōld 
1
a
: to spread or cause to spread or straighten out from a folded position or arrangement
unfolded the map
b
: unwrap
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share