unfurl — to spread out or open something that has been rolled or folded up
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to spread out or open something that has been rolled or folded up
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈfɜːrl/
Example Sentences
- The yoga instructor told us to unfurl our mats like we were revealing the secrets of inner peace.
- As the red carpet unfurled, celebrities emerged like flowers blooming in slow motion.
- My cat watched suspiciously as I unfurled the new rug, probably planning where to shed the most fur.
unfurl
VERB[/ʌnˈfɜːrl/]
to spread out or open something that has been rolled or folded up
The sailors unfurl the massive sail as the ship leaves the harbor.
Unfurl the ribbon, watch it curl and swirl!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Unfurl originated in the 16th century from the prefix un- (meaning 'reverse' or 'opposite') combined with furl, which derives from the French ferler. The term originally referred to the nautical practice of unfurling or spreading out ship sails, the opposite action of furling or rolling them up.
Breakdown
un- (reverse, opposite) + furl (to roll up or fold). Furl comes from French ferler, a maritime term for bundling sails.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The yoga instructor told us to unfurl our mats like we were revealing the secrets of inner peace.”
“As the red carpet unfurled, celebrities emerged like flowers blooming in slow motion.”
“My cat watched suspiciously as I unfurled the new rug, probably planning where to shed the most fur.”
“The story began to unfurl through a series of flashbacks.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.