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
After spending the past year putting puzzle pieces into place, the brand is now well-positioned for stronger international expansion, as a significant shift is underway in the prestige and luxury fashion markets. Emma Sandler, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Debate has been underway in the Senate late into the night, with Republicans wrestling President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts over mounting Democratic opposition — and even some brake-pumping over the budget slashing by the president himself. Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025 People familiar with various efforts that are underway described them as necessary but not ideal. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 30 June 2025 However, the research is still evolving, and Dr. Ruth notes that more studies are underway to fully understand the role of copper peptides in dermatology. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 June 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 5 Jul. 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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