underpass

play

noun un·der·pass \ ˈən-dər-ˌpas \

Definition of underpass

: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

See underpass defined for English-language learners

See underpass defined for kids

Examples of underpass in a Sentence

We stood on the bridge and looked down at the underpass.

Recent Examples of underpass from the Web

The plan, approved by the City Council last week, also includes $7.8 million for cleaning catch basins, as well as funds for creating an early warning system for underpass flooding.

— beau evans, NOLA.com, "Roadwork funds shift to drain fixes amid drainage crisis," 22 Aug. 2017
But the city recently began a closer examination of the underpasses as part of efforts to reduce its potential exposure to terrorist attacks.

— maureen c. gilmer, Indianapolis Star, "City ousts homeless from camps under Downtown bridges, citing 'risk to public safety'," 10 Aug. 2017
The underpass at Davis Street and Bristol Lane were reported damaged with spray paint sometime between July 27 and July 30.

— elizabeth owens-schiele, chicagotribune.com, "Arlington Heights police: $395 in alcohol stolen from locked cabinet at Jewel store," 8 Aug. 2017
Runoff from the heavy rains was causing flooding in small creeks and streams, on streets and underpasses and at other drainage areas and low-lying spots, the weather service said.

— tom uhler, star-telegram, "Widespread flooding leads to high-water rescues in South Texas," 7 Aug. 2017
On two dates, someone spray-painted the walls of the 95th Street underpass, according to the report.

— susan demar lafferty, Daily Southtown, "Hammel Woods to get new dog park for small animals," 3 Aug. 2017
The woman was close to a desolate underpass near the subway station when, prosecutors and police officials said, Mr. Williams took out an air pistol and led her behind a garbage truck.

— benjamin mueller, vivian wang and sean piccoli, New York Times, "3 Men From Shelter Held in Sexual Assault on Woman Leaving Church," 14 July 2017
Among them are a surfer sculpture near the railroad underpass at Pier View Way, historical signs near Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, and a statue on the southern end of the city near the railroad tracks.

— phil diehl, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Oceanside looks for ways to boost arts spending," 1 July 2017
Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots.

— cliff pinckard, cleveland.com, "The cleveland.com news quiz for Friday, 06/30/2017," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'underpass.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of underpass

1903

UNDERPASS Defined for English Language Learners

underpass

play

noun

Definition of underpass for English Language Learners

: a place where a road or railroad crosses under another road or railroad

UNDERPASS Defined for Kids

underpass

play

noun un·der·pass \ ˈən-dər-ˌpas \

Definition of underpass for Students

:a road or passage that runs under something (as another road)

Learn More about underpass

See words that rhyme with underpass Spanish Central: Translation of underpass Nglish: Translation of underpass for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up underpass? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

underpass

Definition of underpass

Examples of underpass in a Sentence

Recent Examples of underpass from the Web

First Known Use of underpass

UNDERPASS Defined for English Language Learners

underpass

Definition of underpass for English Language Learners

UNDERPASS Defined for Kids

underpass

Definition of underpass for Students

Learn More about underpass

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

glabrous

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

What's Going On With 'Nonplussed'?

Welcome to the New Words

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

8 Foods Named After Real People

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Name that Color!

Spell It

Syn City

What's Going On With 'Nonplussed'?

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Trending: 'Bodega' Startup Draws Criticism, Mockery

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Words of the Year: 1066

underpass

Definition of underpass

People Are Reading

Examples of underpass in a Sentence

Recent Examples of underpass from the Web

First Known Use of underpass

UNDERPASS Defined for English Language Learners

underpass

Definition of underpass for English Language Learners

UNDERPASS Defined for Kids

underpass

Definition of underpass for Students

Learn More about underpass

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

What's Going On With 'Nonplussed'?

9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Trending: 'Bodega' Startup Draws Criticism, Mockery

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Words of the Year: 1066