underpass

noun

un·​der·​pass ˈən-dər-ˌpas How to pronounce underpass (audio)
: a crossing of a highway and another way (such as a road or railroad) at different levels
also : the lower level of such a crossing

Examples of underpass in a Sentence

We stood on the bridge and looked down at the underpass.
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.
As the title suggests, the film is set in Baltimore, whose landmarks, neighborhoods, underpasses, and professional football team are well evoked. Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025 Life-threatening flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Staff Reports, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025 The Mariposa underpass will also be closed. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 17 Sep. 2025 Family, friends and spectators line the embankments, looking down from pedestrian bridges and the underpasses, holding up signs and cheering. George Caulkin, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underpass

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underpass was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underpass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpass. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

underpass

noun
un·​der·​pass -ˌpas How to pronounce underpass (audio)
: a passage underneath something (as for a road passing under another road)

More from Merriam-Webster on underpass

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