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

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

An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Payne's sudden death, local police told PEOPLE, adding that an autopsy will be conducted. —Jen Juneau, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024

Casting for a new host and judges is underway and will be announced at a future date. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Oct. 2024

This comes as earnings season is underway, with 79% of the 50 or so S & P names that have already reported beating analysts’ consensus estimates. —Sean Conlon, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024

But search operations are still underway for the Segens family's 13-year-old son Yevhenii and Anastasiia’s mother, Tatiana Novitnia, both of whom remain unaccounted for. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

under way

adverb

1

: in or into motion

a ship getting under way

2

: in progress

preparations are under way