underneath

1 of 2

preposition

un·​der·​neath ˌən-dər-ˈnēth 

1

a

: directly beneath

write the date underneath the address

b

: close under especially so as to be hidden

treachery lying underneath a mask of friendliness

wore a swimsuit underneath his slacks

2

: under subjection to

underneath

2 of 2

adverb

1

: under or below an object or a surface : beneath

2

: on the lower side

underneath adjective

Synonyms of underneath

Adverb

• beneath
• under
• below

Examples of underneath in a Sentence

Preposition

He hid the envelope underneath his coat.

She slipped a note underneath the door.

The ball rolled underneath the car.

He lives in the apartment underneath mine.

There was gum stuck underneath the table.

Underneath her calm exterior was a nervous woman with a hot temper.

They actually had a lot in common underneath their obvious differences.

Adverb

He wore a white sweater with a red shirt underneath.

She lifted up the rock and found ants crawling underneath.

The car had rust underneath.

Recent Examples on the Web

Preposition

It’s constructed with the brand’s sweat-wicking FastDry technology, which helps to keep you cool underneath heavier winter coats. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2025

This velvet khaki barrel chair has an ottoman with a lift-top for extra storage that tucks neatly underneath when not in use. —Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Dec. 2025

Adverb

The upholstered piece with elevated arm rests is one of the few leather picks on this list, and includes a constellation of rolling wheels underneath. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

As the child was driving, the vehicle rolled onto its right side and pinned one of the young boys underneath. —Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Preposition

Middle English undernethe, preposition & adverb, from Old English underneothan, from under + neothan below — more at beneath

First Known Use

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing underneath

• the underneath
• underneath it all

Rhymes for underneath

• beneath
• bequeath
• neath
• sheath
• teeth
• wreath

Kids Definition

underneath

1 of 2 preposition

un·​der·​neath ˌən-dər-ˈnēth 

1

: right under

wore their bathing suits underneath their clothes

2

: under the control of

underneath

2 of 2 adverb

1

: under or below an object or an outside part

soaked through the jacket to the shirt underneath

2

: on the lower side

a pot blackened underneath