underside

noun

un·​der·​side ˈən-dər-ˌsīd How to pronounce underside (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈsīd
Synonyms of undersidenext
1
: the side or surface lying underneath
2
: a side usually hidden from sight
specifically : the more unpleasant or reprehensible side
the underside of politics

Synonyms of underside

Examples of underside in a Sentence

the underside of the table The book explores the underside of human nature.
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 busy section of road had been closed since July 13, when a truck traveling east clipped the underside of the span. Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 30 July 2026 Divers captured video footage of Galápagos sharks approaching manta rays and deliberately rubbing parts of their bodies, especially their heads, gill regions and sides, against the mantas’ undersides. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The underside holds two disks, each with six blades, that are powered by two 180W cutting motors. John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 28 July 2026 Cantore’s goal off the underside of the crossbar in the 61st minute helped the Spirit overcome the loss of four players involved in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. ABC News, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underside

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underside was in 1660

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underside. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

underside

noun
un·​der·​side ˈən-dər-ˌsīd How to pronounce underside (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈsīd
: the side or part lying underneath

More from Merriam-Webster on underside

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster