waɪnd daʊn
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- wind
- Particle:
- down
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "wind down" mean?
- To gradually reduce activity and relax
- To bring something to a gradual end
Examples
- I like to wind down with a book before bed.
- The party started to wind down around midnight.
- The company is winding down its operations in Asia.
- After the busy week, we need time to wind down.
- The investigation is finally winding down.
How to use it
Opposite of 'wind up' in the sense of concluding. Very common for describing relaxation routines.
Word order
Can be separable: 'wind operations down' or 'wind down operations'
Similar expressions
relax
unwind
decrease
conclude gradually
Opposites
wind up
ramp up
intensify
Related phrasal verbs
- wind up
To end up in a particular situation or place
- turn down
To reduce the volume, heat, or intensity of something
- bring down
To cause something to fall or collapse
- go down
To decrease in price, level, or amount
- come down
To decrease in price, level, or amount
- break down
To stop working or functioning (machines, vehicles)
Use it in a practice answer
Try "wind down" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.