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
But underneath the stoner hijinks (and legitimately stunning wildlife videography), Listers is a serious film about the meaning that hobbies can provide to our lives, and the corrupting influence of smartphone apps on our leisure activities. Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025 Her blue satin bra was on full display underneath the top, giving the outfit a sultry spin. Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2025
Adverb
For a preppy touch, layer a crisp button-down underneath and let the collar peek out. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025 Buzzwords risk trivializing serious issues when leaders don’t look past labels and address what’s underneath. Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 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

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