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.
Millions of travelers are expected over the holiday weekend as the busy summer travel season winds down, according to a recent AAA news release. — Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 With earnings season winding down, investors are turning their attention back to factors like what’s going on in bond yields and nerves about higher interest rates. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 The original series may have been winding down at the time, but ultimately Conquest was instrumental in keeping it alive for generations to come. — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 In much of our country, this month marks about the time that the growing season for edible plants winds down. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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