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.
Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 19 Aug. 2025 Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin soon in small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses and areas with poor drainage, NWS officials said. Katie Langford, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025 Rapid ponding of water is possible at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2025 Life-threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 15 Aug. 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 9 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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