underway

1 of 2

adjective

un·​der·​way ˌən-dər-ˈwā How to pronounce underway (audio)
: occurring, performed, or used while traveling or in motion
underway replenishment of fuel

underway

2 of 2

adverb

variants or less commonly under way
1
: in motion : not at anchor or aground
The ship was underway at dawn.
2
: into motion from a standstill
The train should be underway again soon.
3
: in progress : happening now
Preparations for the celebration are already underway.
A search is underway.
The season got underway with a bang.

Examples of underway in a Sentence

Adverb construction of the new shopping mall is under way
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.
Adjective
Lexington City officials have told The Star that no one can speak about the incident now that an investigation is underway by the National Transportation Safety Board, which in turn has remained silent while the investigation remains active. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2025 The remedy phase of Google's search antitrust trial is getting underway, and the government is seeking to force major changes. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 21 Apr. 2025 While the company’s new $200 million distillery is underway, this remains a fine place to learn about bourbon production and snap up exclusive bottles. Kara Newman, AFAR Media, 19 Apr. 2025 The pic is set for a September 19 release, just as the NFL season gets underway. Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underway

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

probably from Dutch onderweg, from Middle Dutch onderwegen, literally, under or among the ways

First Known Use

Adjective

1743, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underway was in 1720

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underway. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

under way

adverb
1
: in or into motion
a ship getting under way
2
: in progress
preparations are under way

More from Merriam-Webster on underway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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