underlay

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​lay ˌən-dər-ˈlā How to pronounce underlay (audio)
underlaid ˌən-dər-ˈlād How to pronounce underlay (audio) ; 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 How to pronounce underlay (audio)
: something that is or is designed to be laid under

Examples of underlay in a Sentence

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.
Verb
The consumer welfare philosophy also underlay U.S. negotiations that resulted in international antitrust cooperation agreements and in competition chapters within bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. Alden Abbott, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Another key part of the trick involves an appreciation of two psychological systems that underlay our decision making, as described by Daniel Kahneman, a psychologist and Nobel Prize-winner. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2017
Noun
The Honey star wore a strapless black tulle gown with a nude underlay for the special occasion. Angel Saunders, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024 High-grade asphalt shingles rated for high wind can also perform well, provided they are properly installed with a suitable underlay and secure fastening. Sara Kendall, Miami Herald, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for underlay 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of underlay was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near underlay

Cite this Entry

“Underlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlay. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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