uncouple

verb

un·​cou·​ple ˌən-ˈkə-pəl How to pronounce uncouple (audio)
uncoupled; uncoupling; uncouples
Synonyms of uncouplenext

transitive verb

1
: to release (dogs) from a pair of joined collars
2
: detach, disconnect
uncouple railroad cars
uncoupler
ˌən-ˈkə-p(ə-)lər How to pronounce uncouple (audio)
noun

Synonyms of uncouple

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Examples of uncouple in a Sentence

uncoupled the two railroad cars
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.
After the Space Shuttle Explorer is struck by debris, she's flung into space on the shuttle's arm, forced to uncouple herself or face being pulled even further into the void. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 5 Feb. 2026 Nigo has mostly favored coed shows during the men’s calendar in Paris since 2022, but had recently uncoupled them to give womenswear a bigger spotlight. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025 To enable the correction independently of the switching cycles of the movement, a clutch uncouples the hour ring from the jumping numerals mechanism with every actuation of the pusher. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 Before installation begins, contractors should evaluate the subfloor and, when necessary, install an uncoupling membrane to absorb movement and help prevent cracking. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncouple

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for uncouple

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Browse Nearby Words

uncounted
uncouple
uncourageous
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

uncouple

verb
un·​cou·​ple ˌən-ˈkəp-əl How to pronounce uncouple (audio)
uncoupled; uncoupling
-ˈkəp-(ə-)liŋ
: disconnect
uncouple railroad cars
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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