underline

1 of 2

verb

underlined; underlining; underlines

transitive verb

1
: to mark (something, such as a word) with a line underneath
2
: to put emphasis on : stress
3
: to show clearly or emphatically

underline

2 of 2

noun

un·​der·​line ˈən-dər-ˌlīn How to pronounce underline (audio)
1
: the outline of a quadruped's underbody
also : the ventral surface of a quadruped's body
2
: a horizontal line placed underneath something

Examples of underline in a Sentence

Verb His name was underlined in the book. The accident underlines our need for better safety procedures.
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
Not one to stay between the width of the goalposts (Box threat, 38 out of 99), and barely a prolific shooter (Shot frequency, 7 out of 99), this underlines the type of player Chelsea are investing in. Mark Carey, New York Times, 30 June 2025 Zaia has underlined that Bezos and Sanchez have donated €3 million ($3.5 million) to three local institutions: Corila, an academic consortium dedicated to studying Venice’s lagoon ecosystem, UNESCO’s local office, and the Venice International University. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 26 June 2025
Noun
That the ambition existed at all underlines how the two most powerful bodies in world football are in a forever war for the economic and political control of the global game. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Nvidia’s share slump and resulting hit to valuation underline the perils the chipmaker faces from a potential slowdown in AI spending and the Trump administration’s attempts to reset global trade relations. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underline

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1721, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underline was in 1721

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underline. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

underline

verb
un·​der·​line
ˈən-dər-ˌlīn,
ˌən-dər-ˈlīn
1
: to draw a line under : underscore
2
underline
ˈən-dər-ˌlīn
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on underline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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