underlay

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​lay ˌən-dər-ˈlā 

underlaid ˌən-dər-ˈlād  ; underlaying

transitive verb

1

: to cover, line, or traverse the bottom of : give support to on the underside or below

2

: to raise or support by something laid under

underlay

2 of 2

noun

un·​der·​lay ˈən-dər-ˌlā 

: something that is or is designed to be laid under

Examples of underlay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This conviction underlay the Victorian workhouses in 19th-century England that Charles Dickens critiqued through his novels. —Colin Gordon, The Conversation, 29 May 2025

There are still cheerleaders who say H.W. and Clinton’s top-tax-rate increases underlay the 1990s boom and budget surpluses. —Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025

Noun

Once the human in the loop selects the option the team prefers, the systems can assign tasks to agents that underlay SAP’s assistant. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025

Halsey wore a black and white lace underlay gown with black feather detailing at the hips for the gala, paired with abstract multi-colored eye makeup. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for underlay

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

underlay

verb

un·​der·​lay

ˌən-dər-ˈlā

underlaid

-ˈlād

; underlaying

1

: to cover, line, or cross the bottom of

shingles underlaid with tar paper

2

: to raise or hold up by something laid under

underlay

ˈən-dər-ˌlā

noun