unbuckle

verb

un·​buck·​le ˌən-ˈbə-kəl How to pronounce unbuckle (audio)
unbuckled; unbuckling

transitive verb

: to loose the buckle of : unfasten

intransitive verb

1
: to loosen buckles
2
: relax

Examples of unbuckle in a Sentence

She unbuckled her seat belt.
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.
One of my young nephews recently learned how to unbuckle himself from his car seat once the car stops. — Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 24 Sep. 2025 The guests hop up and down on one foot, unbuckling shoes, some falling on the floor, others grabbing body parts or wet laundry for support. — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 Whelan was panicked by the assault, according to the court document, and struggled to unbuckle her seat belt. — Nick Lentz, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026 The quickly warming atmosphere holds more precipitation, which can unbuckle more often and in heavier bursts. — Austyn Gaffney, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unbuckle

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of unbuckle was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

unbrushed
unbuckle
unbudded
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unbuckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbuckle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unbuckle

verb
un·​buck·​le ˌən-ˈbək-əl How to pronounce unbuckle (audio)
: to unfasten the buckle of (as a belt)

More from Merriam-Webster on unbuckle

Nglish: Translation of unbuckle for Spanish Speakers

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