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

The group said an investigation is underway. —Callum Sutherland, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

Acting Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers confirmed a number of investigations were underway into the incident, including an Independent Police Conduct Authority investigation, Coronial enquiries, and a Critical Incident Review. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

Adverb

Riddley confirmed that development only got underway recently which explains why the park still has a wide opening window. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

The plans and the construction underway have come as welcome news to community leaders who have long been trying to preserve the history of Pan Am. —Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 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