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underway

1 of 2

adjective

un·​der·​way ˌən-dər-ˈwā How to pronounce underway (audio)
: 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.

Examples of underway in a Sentence

Adverb construction of the new shopping mall is under way
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.
Adjective
The rap carnival was underway on November 22, and Tyler, the Creator undoubtedly made another undeniable mark on popular culture. Malik Peay, Essence, 25 Nov. 2025 With a review underway, more in-depth information might not be known until early next year when Dick’s reports fourth-quarter and full-year results. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025
Adverb
Nearly two years after first making the discovery with its Jetstream 1 well, engineers at Pulsar Helium are underway drilling Jetstream 3 more than a half-mile away — and there are potential plans for a dozen more. Jonah Kaplan, CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025 More than 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists are registered for the COP30 climate talks underway in Belém, Brazil, according to an analysis by a coalition of environmental and social justice groups. Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underway

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of underway was in 1720

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underway. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

under way

adverb
1
: in or into motion
a ship getting under way
2
: in progress
preparations are under way

More from Merriam-Webster on underway

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