To save this word, you'll need to log in.
un·der·way | \ ˌən-dər-ˈwā 
\
\Definition of underway
(Entry 1 of 2)
: occurring, performed, or used while traveling or in motion
underway replenishment of fuel
underway
adverbvariants:
or less commonly under way
Definition of underway (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : in motion : not at anchor or aground
The ship was underway at dawn.
2 : into motion from a standstill
The train should be underway again soon.
3 : in progress : happening now
Preparations for the celebration are already underway. A search is underway. The season got underway with a bang .
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on underway
What made you want to look up underway? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words for Summer: A Quiz
- Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Words for Summer: A Quiz
Test your knowledge of words related to the season of longer days and vacations.
Take the quiz - A More Exception(al) Quiz
Which of these things doesn't belong?
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Dictionary Devil
The dictionary has been scrambled—can you put it back together?
Play the game
Share underway
Time Traveler for underway
The first known use of underway was in 1720
See more words from the same year