underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ 
1
: the material and construction (such as a foundation) used for support of a structure
2
3
: underwear
—usually used in plural
4
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
Examples of underpinning in a Sentence
the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question
the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision
Recent Examples on the Web
If Wall Street can get through those talks, and past all the hurdles of the coming week, many investors expect the bullish underpinnings of the market will resume their control.
—
Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
The mechanical underpinnings were handled by Gianpaolo Dallara, while the steel monocoque chassis was dressed in a fiber-glass body penned by prolific automotive designer Tom Tjaarda.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
But studies targeting transitions both into and out of sleep are starting to unravel the neurobiological underpinnings of these in-between states, yielding an understanding that could explain how sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep paralysis, can result when things go awry.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
Advertisement The intellectual underpinnings to the circular economy approach have been around for decades.
—Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
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.
Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
The mechanical underpinnings were handled by Gianpaolo Dallara, while the steel monocoque chassis was dressed in a fiber-glass body penned by prolific automotive designer Tom Tjaarda.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025
But studies targeting transitions both into and out of sleep are starting to unravel the neurobiological underpinnings of these in-between states, yielding an understanding that could explain how sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep paralysis, can result when things go awry.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
Advertisement The intellectual underpinnings to the circular economy approach have been around for decades.
—Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ
1
: the foundation used for support of a structure
2
3
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share