1 underway | Definition of underway

underway

adjective
un·​der·​way | \ ˌən-dər-ˈwā How to pronounce underway (audio) \

Definition of underway

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: occurring, performed, or used while traveling or in motion underway replenishment of fuel

underway

adverb
variants: or less commonly under way

Definition of underway (Entry 2 of 2)

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 for underway

Synonyms: Adverb

afoot, under weigh

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First Known Use of underway

Adjective

1743, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for underway

Adverb

probably from Dutch onderweg, from Middle Dutch onderwegen, literally, under or among the ways

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More from Merriam-Webster on underway

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with underway

Nglish: Translation of underway for Spanish Speakers