unpack

verb

un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak How to pronounce unpack (audio)
unpacked; unpacking; unpacks

transitive verb

1
a
: to remove the contents of
unpack a suitcase
b
: unburden, reveal
must … unpack my heart with wordsWilliam Shakespeare
2
: to remove or undo from packing or a container
unpacked his gear
3
: to analyze the nature of by examining in detail : explicate
unpack a concept
4
: decompress sense 2
unpack a compressed file

intransitive verb

: to engage in unpacking a container
unpacker noun

Examples of unpack in a Sentence

It's been a year since I moved here and I still haven't unpacked all of my books. I unpacked my suitcase as soon as I arrived home. By the time we got to the hotel, I was too tired to unpack. She's good at unpacking complex concepts.
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.
From there, three large galleries unpack three core Pan-African philosophies: Garveyism, Négritude, and Quilombismo. Joseph L. Underwood, ARTnews.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Below, Tillman unpacks Milchick’s biggest moments from the finale, from his comedy routine with Kier to that unforgettable marching band sequence. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025 With adventure reality format The Box continuing to take the market by storm, Stewart unpacked what is making the country tick right now, highlighting a batch of new titles that could be appearing on networks elsewhere in the world before long. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025 Mulvaney unpacks the transphobia, backlash, acceptance and, ultimately, joy in this reflection of her pre- and post-transition life. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unpack

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unpack was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unpack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unpack. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

unpack

verb
un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak How to pronounce unpack (audio)
ˈən-
1
: to separate and remove things packed
got home and unpacked
2
: to open and remove the contents of
unpack a trunk

More from Merriam-Webster on unpack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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