un·der·neath
ˌən-dər-ˈnēth 
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
adjective
Synonyms
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023
When Times reporters arrived at the cavernous lot underneath the freeway where Quintero works on Friday, pallets could be seen piled high.
—Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2023
Fecal matter from your body or toilet paper might transfer to your hands and underneath your nails.
—Maggie O'Neill, Health, 21 Nov. 2023
Plus, this stand elevates the tree a bit, making more space for gifts to be stored underneath it.
—Casey Clark, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023
So far Israel has shown images of a tunnel shaft underneath the hospital but has yet to show evidence of a major command structure.
—Paul Schemm, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023
But their Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket also has a sleek silhouette that accentuates your waist while giving you room to layer and move underneath it.
—Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 20 Nov. 2023
Israeli forces have surrounded Al-Shifa with tanks, saying that Hamas built a command center underneath the hospital, a claim American officials support.
—NBC News, 14 Nov. 2023
About 16 homeless people living underneath the highway were evacuated to shelters, officials said.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2023
Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2023
Stamos, meanwhile, looked dapper in a matching brown jacket and pants, with a black shirt underneath and bright white sneakers.
—Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023
Huang described two lacerations on Pelosi’s head, one of which was so deep that his skull was exposed, and skull fractures underneath.
—Michael Finnegan, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2023
One 5-star reviewer wrote: ‘The skin underneath is baby soft, almost like there’s a brand new foot underneath!
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2023
Israeli officials say Hamas uses hospitals in Gaza, including Al-Shifa, as shields to conceal vast complexes for their fighters in tunnels underneath.
—Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2023
Wrap your tree in plaid ribbons in lieu of a glistening, tinsel garland, or opt for a pile of presents nestled underneath in your favorite plaid gift wrap.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2023
Kardashian, 43, who received the Giving Tree award at the gala last year, wore a black sheer floral lace gown with a nude jumpsuit and matching boots underneath.
—Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 12 Nov. 2023
But, several weeks later, the California DMV revealed that its investigators learned that the car had continued moving for about 20 feet at 7 mph with the woman pinned underneath.
—Trisha Thadani, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2023
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Preposition
Guthrie also shared a video of Charley climbing underneath the desk while Kotb and Today weatherman Al Roker look on in amusement.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023
When Times reporters arrived at the cavernous lot underneath the freeway where Quintero works on Friday, pallets could be seen piled high.
—Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2023
Fecal matter from your body or toilet paper might transfer to your hands and underneath your nails.
—Maggie O'Neill, Health, 21 Nov. 2023
Plus, this stand elevates the tree a bit, making more space for gifts to be stored underneath it.
—Casey Clark, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2023
So far Israel has shown images of a tunnel shaft underneath the hospital but has yet to show evidence of a major command structure.
—Paul Schemm, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023
But their Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket also has a sleek silhouette that accentuates your waist while giving you room to layer and move underneath it.
—Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 20 Nov. 2023
Israeli forces have surrounded Al-Shifa with tanks, saying that Hamas built a command center underneath the hospital, a claim American officials support.
—NBC News, 14 Nov. 2023
About 16 homeless people living underneath the highway were evacuated to shelters, officials said.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2023
Adverb
In the colder months, layer a collared shirt underneath for a pop of color or put on a pair of tights to add a bit of warmth.
—Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2023
Stamos, meanwhile, looked dapper in a matching brown jacket and pants, with a black shirt underneath and bright white sneakers.
—Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023
Huang described two lacerations on Pelosi’s head, one of which was so deep that his skull was exposed, and skull fractures underneath.
—Michael Finnegan, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2023
One 5-star reviewer wrote: ‘The skin underneath is baby soft, almost like there’s a brand new foot underneath!
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2023
Israeli officials say Hamas uses hospitals in Gaza, including Al-Shifa, as shields to conceal vast complexes for their fighters in tunnels underneath.
—Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2023
Wrap your tree in plaid ribbons in lieu of a glistening, tinsel garland, or opt for a pile of presents nestled underneath in your favorite plaid gift wrap.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2023
Kardashian, 43, who received the Giving Tree award at the gala last year, wore a black sheer floral lace gown with a nude jumpsuit and matching boots underneath.
—Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 12 Nov. 2023
But, several weeks later, the California DMV revealed that its investigators learned that the car had continued moving for about 20 feet at 7 mph with the woman pinned underneath.
—Trisha Thadani, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underneath.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Phrases Containing underneath
Dictionary Entries Near underneath
Cite this Entry
“Underneath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underneath. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
underneath
1 of 2 preposition
un·der·neath
ˌən-dər-ˈnēth
1
: right under
wore their bathing suits underneath their clothes
2
: under the control of
underneath
2 of 2 adverb1
: 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
Nglish: Translation of underneath for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of underneath for Arabic Speakers
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