un·der·wing
ˈən-dər-ˌwiŋ 
1
: one of the posterior wings of an insect
2
: any of various noctuid moths (especially genus Catocala) that have the hind wings banded with contrasting colors (such as red and black)
called also underwing moth
3
: the underside of a bird's wing
: placed or growing underneath the wing
underwing rockets
Examples of underwing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Michelle R. Martinelli, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2022
Adult spotted lanternfly has two sets of wings, and the underwing has a red color with spots on the outer wings.
—Sarah Brookbank, The Enquirer, 27 July 2021
The 2022 car also features a new underwing and diffuser that dramatically alter the aerodynamic forces drivers rely on.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 5 May 2021
This rainforest butterfly has vivid crimson patches on its upper wings, but its underwings are arguably even more spectacular.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Apr. 2020
For instance, initial evidence suggests that European robins, yellow underwing moths, and perhaps even cricket frogs can do so.
—Fiona McMillan, National Geographic, 4 Nov. 2019
Easily identifiable by its gray, spotted wings and bright red underwings, the insect could threaten billions of dollars worth of crops in Pennsylvania, such as apples, grapes, and hops.
—Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 20 Sep. 2019
Genes for yellow- and red- underwings remain separated east and west of the Rockies.
—Steven Austad, AL.com, 17 Feb. 2018
Eric Tegler, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
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Noun
Another new element of the Next Gen car is an underwing, a series of panels underneath the car to make a single flat surface to help with aerodynamics and increase stability in traffic.
—Michelle R. Martinelli, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2022
Adult spotted lanternfly has two sets of wings, and the underwing has a red color with spots on the outer wings.
—Sarah Brookbank, The Enquirer, 27 July 2021
The 2022 car also features a new underwing and diffuser that dramatically alter the aerodynamic forces drivers rely on.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 5 May 2021
This rainforest butterfly has vivid crimson patches on its upper wings, but its underwings are arguably even more spectacular.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Apr. 2020
For instance, initial evidence suggests that European robins, yellow underwing moths, and perhaps even cricket frogs can do so.
—Fiona McMillan, National Geographic, 4 Nov. 2019
Easily identifiable by its gray, spotted wings and bright red underwings, the insect could threaten billions of dollars worth of crops in Pennsylvania, such as apples, grapes, and hops.
—Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 20 Sep. 2019
Genes for yellow- and red- underwings remain separated east and west of the Rockies.
—Steven Austad, AL.com, 17 Feb. 2018
Adjective
Multi-engine maritime patrol airplanes and bombers have considerable underwing space where several large cruise missiles like the LRASM and JASSM can be carried.
—Eric Tegler, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Underwing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underwing. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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