un·der·way
ˌən-dər-ˈwā 
: occurring, performed, or used while traveling or in motion
underway replenishment of fuel
variants
or less commonly under way
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.
Examples of underway in a Sentence
Adverb
construction of the new shopping mall is under way
Recent Examples on the Web
Emma Sandler, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Debate has been underway in the Senate late into the night, with Republicans wrestling President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts over mounting Democratic opposition — and even some brake-pumping over the budget slashing by the president himself.
—Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025
People familiar with various efforts that are underway described them as necessary but not ideal.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
However, the research is still evolving, and Dr. Ruth notes that more studies are underway to fully understand the role of copper peptides in dermatology.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for underway
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Adjective
After spending the past year putting puzzle pieces into place, the brand is now well-positioned for stronger international expansion, as a significant shift is underway in the prestige and luxury fashion markets.
—Emma Sandler, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Debate has been underway in the Senate late into the night, with Republicans wrestling President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts over mounting Democratic opposition — and even some brake-pumping over the budget slashing by the president himself.
—Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025
People familiar with various efforts that are underway described them as necessary but not ideal.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
However, the research is still evolving, and Dr. Ruth notes that more studies are underway to fully understand the role of copper peptides in dermatology.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for underway
Cite this Entry
“Underway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underway. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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