undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō How to pronounce undergo (audio)
underwent ˌən-dər-ˈwent How to pronounce undergo (audio) ; undergone ˌən-dər-ˈgȯn How to pronounce undergo (audio)
 also  -ˈgän
; undergoing ˌən-dər-ˈgō-iŋ How to pronounce undergo (audio)
-ˈgȯ(-)iŋ

transitive verb

1
: to submit to : endure
2
: to go through : experience
undergo a transformation
3
obsolete : undertake
4
obsolete : to partake of

Examples of undergo in a Sentence

She will have to undergo an operation. some people undergo a complete transformation while away at college
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.
Outfielder Alan Roden underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb on Friday. Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 23 Aug. 2025 At the facility, the newest officers from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations arm will undergo an eight-week training course covering topics ranging from immigration law to firearms and driving safety before they are sent to a field office to begin working alongside their peers. Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 23 Aug. 2025 The new astronaut candidates will next undergo roughly two years of training at NASA before being certified as full astronauts, eligible for future missions. Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 23 Aug. 2025 The brilliant white plinth undergoes seven grinding and polishing stages to achieve its glass-smooth finish. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undergo

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undergo was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undergo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undergo. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

undergo

verb
un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō How to pronounce undergo (audio)
underwent
-ˈwent
; undergone -ˈgȯn How to pronounce undergo (audio)
 also  -ˈgän
; undergoing -ˈgō-iŋ How to pronounce undergo (audio)
1
: endure sense 2
undergo an operation
2
: to pass through : experience
undergoing a change

More from Merriam-Webster on undergo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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