underneath

1 of 2

preposition

un·​der·​neath ˌən-dər-ˈnēth How to pronounce underneath (audio)
1
a
: directly beneath
write the date underneath the address
b
: close under especially so as to be hidden
treachery lying underneath a mask of friendliness
wore a swimsuit underneath his slacks
2
: under subjection to

underneath

2 of 2

adverb

1
: under or below an object or a surface : beneath
2
: on the lower side
underneath adjective

Examples of underneath in a Sentence

Preposition He hid the envelope underneath his coat. She slipped a note underneath the door. The ball rolled underneath the car. He lives in the apartment underneath mine. There was gum stuck underneath the table. Underneath her calm exterior was a nervous woman with a hot temper. They actually had a lot in common underneath their obvious differences. Adverb He wore a white sweater with a red shirt underneath. She lifted up the rock and found ants crawling underneath. The car had rust underneath.
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.
Preposition
The Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway in Washington winds through an ancient, mystical, alive landscape formed millennia ago underneath the ocean, subsequently carved by glaciers and then sprinkled with forests by Mama nature. Josh Max, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 If the surface is at least 400° Fahrenheit (well above the boiling point of water), cushions of water vapor, or steam, form underneath them, keeping them levitated. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
With its 32-inch inseam, even tall girls can get away with wearing heels underneath. Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 19 Aug. 2025 The two women were trapped underneath, while a third woman, aged 50, was also hit by the tree while walking on the opposite side of the street. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underneath

Word History

Etymology

Preposition

Middle English undernethe, preposition & adverb, from Old English underneothan, from under + neothan below — more at beneath

First Known Use

Preposition

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

Adverb

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underneath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underneath. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

underneath

1 of 2 preposition
un·​der·​neath ˌən-dər-ˈnēth How to pronounce underneath (audio)
1
: right under
wore their bathing suits underneath their clothes
2
: under the control of

underneath

2 of 2 adverb
1
: under or below an object or an outside part
soaked through the jacket to the shirt underneath
2
: on the lower side
a pot blackened underneath

More from Merriam-Webster on underneath

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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