underlay

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​lay ˌən-dər-ˈlā 

underlaid ˌən-dər-ˈlād  ; underlaying

transitive verb

1

: to cover, line, or traverse the bottom of : give support to on the underside or below

2

: to raise or support by something laid under

underlay

2 of 2

noun

un·​der·​lay ˈən-dər-ˌlā 

: something that is or is designed to be laid under

Examples of underlay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

These key words and the beliefs that underlay them were commonly used and known by colonists in America. — Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2026

The sound of water, which normally underlay everyday life, had been momentarily eradicated. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026

Noun

Outpouring of grief The sound of sobbing underlays chanting in dozens of dialects woven together in a single expression of sorrow for Imam Hussein and his companions and family, killed and taken captive in the defining event of Shia Islam. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026

The British heavyweight usually trains on the same canvas – and crucially, the same underlay – all through his camp. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for underlay

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

underlay

verb

un·​der·​lay

ˌən-dər-ˈlā

underlaid

-ˈlād

; underlaying

1

: to cover, line, or cross the bottom of

shingles underlaid with tar paper

2

: to raise or hold up by something laid under

underlay

ˈən-dər-ˌlā

noun