underpass

noun

un·​der·​pass ˈən-dər-ˌpas 

: 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

But ecologists say this problem has a simple yet highly effective solution: wildlife underpasses. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2025

Wildlife crossings have been proven to decrease collisions by directing wildlife away from roadways and onto bridges and through underpasses and culverts. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 May 2025

Flash flooding is possible in small creeks and streams, urban areas, streets, underpasses, and low-lying or poorly drained areas, the weather service warned. —Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 28 July 2025

The list included projects like repairs to bridges and underpasses, new pedestrian crossings, Santa Fe Drive improvements, construction of the Denver Children’s Advocacy Center’s Children’s Justice Center, and new safety lighting along the Cherry Creek and Highline Canal trails. —Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 17 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for underpass

• candlemas
• fiberglass
• fibreglass
• hourglass
• isinglass
• lemongrass
• martinmas
• orchardgrass
• overpass
• plexiglas
• plexiglass
• sassafras

Kids Definition

underpass

noun

un·​der·​pass -ˌpas 

: a passage underneath something (as for a road passing under another road)