wind down

verb

wound down also winded down; winding down; winds down
Synonyms of wind downnext

intransitive verb

1
: to draw gradually toward an end
the party was winding down
2
: relax, unwind
wind down with a good book

transitive verb

: to cause a gradual lessening of usually with the intention of bringing to an end

Synonyms of wind down

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Examples of wind down in a Sentence

not being one for alcoholic beverages, I prefer to wind down with a cup of tea every night
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.
As group play winds down at the World Cup, the biggest intrigue might be not who finishes first in a four-team group. — ABC News, 26 June 2026 Amazon's biggest sale of the summer is winding down, but there are still incredible savings to be had. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026 As the work is winding down, Lois mans a makeshift grill or outdoor oven and prepares dinner, often incorporating produce procured on-site. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Typically, the dog days arrive in late July or August, when the country winds down for its prolonged weeks of vacation. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wind down

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of wind down was in 1944

Rhymes for wind down

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Browse Nearby Words

winddog
wind down
wind drift
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wind down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wind%20down. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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