underway

1 of 2

adjective

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

Relevance

Adverb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
What the records show As the investigation remains underway, CNN analysis has revealed alleged maintenance issues and guest injuries at several Six Flags parks. — Isa Mudannayake, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 Mana said his plans to redevelop Flagler Street are genuine — and getting underway. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Adverb
With public safety power shutoffs underway across much of the region, fire crews are closely monitoring the situation, warning that even small grass fires can quickly spread under dangerous fire conditions. — Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Nearly two years later — and with early voting underway in multiple states for the midterms — some of that youth support has faded. — Elena Moore, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for underway

See All Rhymes for underway

Browse Nearby Words

underwater
underway
underwear
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underway. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

under way

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