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

While the overall shape of the sneaker remains the same, a large mesh oblong underlay runs from the toe to the collar beneath the Formstrip. —Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 16 May 2025

The top portion featured a long-sleeve lace underlay that extended from her neck down to her fingertips. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 5 May 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