underway

1 of 2

adjective

un·​der·​way ˌən-dər-ˈwā 

: occurring, performed, or used while traveling or in motion

underway replenishment of fuel

underway

2 of 2

adverb

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.

Synonyms of underway

Adverb

• afoot
• under weigh

Examples of underway in a Sentence

Adverb

construction of the new shopping mall is under way

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Harry was seen chatting with his aunt, Lady Jane Fellowes, who was seated directly behind him along with his uncle, before the event got underway. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

See which fall events are underway at the lake, including Oktoberfest and a free family-friendly festival. — Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Adverb

This month, 10 volunteers will have a chance to support native bee populations, while helping contribute to a five-year scientific study underway at Great Mountain Forest. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026

With the fall festival season underway, the international film community is now turning its head to Spain’s Basque Coast as the San Sebastian International Film Festival kicks off its 74th edition on September 18. — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

probably from Dutch onderweg, from Middle Dutch onderwegen, literally, under or among the ways

First Known Use

Adjective

1743, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underway

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

under way

adverb

1

: in or into motion

a ship getting under way

2

: in progress

preparations are under way