underscore

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​score ˈən-dər-ˌskȯr How to pronounce underscore (audio)
underscored; underscoring; underscores

transitive verb

1
: to draw a line under : underline
2
: to make evident : emphasize, stress
arrived early to underscore the importance of the occasion
3
: to provide (action on film) with accompanying music

underscore

2 of 2

noun

1
: a line drawn under a word or line especially for emphasis or to indicate intent to italicize
2
: music accompanying the action and dialogue of a film

Examples of underscore in a Sentence

Verb These failures underscore the difficulty of what we're attempting to do. The President's visit underscores the administration's commitment to free trade. She underscored the most important points.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
This new identity has been underscored by a set of guiding norms—Connect, Collaborate, and Commit—that drive the team's approach. Peter High, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 As an additional argument, NASCAR underscores that it should be treated as a sports enterprise under antitrust law. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
Survival outerwear by Kosuke Tsumura emerges as the exception to the no-clothing rule, while Mathieu Pernot’s photos of migrants lacking shelter underscore how private space is not always available. Amy Verner, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024 Tree diagrams mapping consolidation in the electronic health records market from 1992 to 2024 underscore Faulkner’s point. Katie Jennings, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for underscore 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underscore.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underscore was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near underscore

Cite this Entry

“Underscore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underscore. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

underscore

verb
un·​der·​score
ˈən-dər-ˌskō(ə)r,
-ˌskȯ(ə)r
1
: to draw a line under : underline
2
underscore noun

More from Merriam-Webster on underscore

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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