uncoil

verb

un·​coil ˌən-ˈkȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce uncoil (audio)
uncoiled; uncoiling; uncoils
Synonyms of uncoilnext

transitive verb

: to release from a coiled state : unwind

intransitive verb

: to become uncoiled

Examples of uncoil in a Sentence

The spring began to uncoil.
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.
Young helped uncoil her and stretch her out. — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026 The snake uncoiled and hung down between the engine and the tire, looking at him with yellow beady eyes. — Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 13 Nov. 2024 Stewart conveys this repression physically, through a defensive crouch that uncoils when under attack. — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2024 Looking over a wobbly guardrail, Dale Landmann uncoiled a few feet of rope, cautiously lowering a white plastic pipe into the opaque waters of the Calumet River on a recent hot weekday morning. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for uncoil

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of uncoil was in 1713

Rhymes for uncoil

See All Rhymes for uncoil

Browse Nearby Words

unco guid
uncoil
uncoiled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

uncoil

verb
un·​coil ˌən-ˈkȯi(ə)l How to pronounce uncoil (audio)
ˈən-
: to release or become released from a coiled state : unwind

More from Merriam-Webster on uncoil

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for uncoil

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