underway

1 of 2

adjective

un·​der·​way ˌən-dər-ˈwā 

: 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.

Synonyms

Adverb

• afoot
• under weigh

Examples of underway in a Sentence

Adverb

construction of the new shopping mall is under way

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

When Malene Birger left her eponymous fashion brand to pursue art and interior design over a decade ago, a love affair with Mallorca was already well underway. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2025

In Cuba, where the hurricane is expected to make landfall overnight in the eastern part of the island, preparations of pre-positioning of supplies and assets are still underway. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025

Adverb

The approach contrasts with broader efforts underway in the kingdom. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025

The project is currently in the financing stage with additional casting conversations underway. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for underway

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

Kids Definition

under way

adverb

1

: in or into motion

a ship getting under way

2

: in progress

preparations are under way