underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ 
1
: the material and construction (such as a foundation) used for support of a structure
2
3
: underwear
—usually used in plural
4
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
Examples of underpinning in a Sentence
the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question
the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision
Recent Examples on the Web
Any assault on the health care system or its financial underpinnings provided by the government, Medicare, Medicaid , the Veterans Administration, should be considered an assault on our rights.
—
Primary Care Physicians, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025
Many of these sanctuary city resolutions made clear allusions to the historic and sacred underpinnings of their efforts.
— Made By History, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
The flexible technology—it was designed to be compatible with multiple powertrain types—will provide the underpinning for several vehicles in the years to come, including the next-generation GLA and GLB SUVs.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2025
Although a highly bespoke vehicle, the Batur shares its underpinning—including the chassis, engine and gearbox—with the previous generation of Bentley Continental GT.
—Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
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Primary Care Physicians, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025
Many of these sanctuary city resolutions made clear allusions to the historic and sacred underpinnings of their efforts.
— Made By History, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
The flexible technology—it was designed to be compatible with multiple powertrain types—will provide the underpinning for several vehicles in the years to come, including the next-generation GLA and GLB SUVs.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2025
Although a highly bespoke vehicle, the Batur shares its underpinning—including the chassis, engine and gearbox—with the previous generation of Bentley Continental GT.
—Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ
1
: the foundation used for support of a structure
2
3
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
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