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
Production for pilot customers is already underway at Oxford PV’s factory in Brandenburg, Germany. Andrew Saunders, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025 With fall hunting seasons underway and deer starting to look for mates, Michigan's police officers are finding themselves being called out to deal with deer in unusual circumstances. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Adverb
More than 200 people, fire engines and boats were involved in the massive emergency response effort underway on Monday morning. Chris Lau, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2025 In addition to handling rights, Highland Film Group is co-financing the project alongside Aperture Media Partners, with production underway in Queensland, Australia. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 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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