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

The rare convergence of open Senate and House seats adds to the 2026 political drama already underway in Michigan. —Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

Similar patrols were underway in other major California cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. —Daniel Hunt march 12, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026

Adverb

With the knockout rounds underway, Team USA will now look to quiet critics on the field and prove DeRosa’s faith in the roster was justified. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026

Public records revealed negotiations to rehab White Stadium for a new pro soccer team were underway long before the city sent out a request for proposals. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 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
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• 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