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
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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underlay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlay. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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

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