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.
The underpass has also been there for years but mostly ignored. John Tuohy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 The truck could not make it under a nearby underpass and had to be routed an extra mile out of the way with congregants following on foot. Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025 State wildlife researchers from New Mexico and Arizona noted 169 cases of black bears crossing the roads via underpasses. Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 Communities, including Killeen, Copperas Cove, Fort Cavazos, and Kempner, are at risk for flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas, underpasses, and small creeks. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 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 24 Jul. 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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