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

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

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