underlay

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​lay ˌən-dər-ˈlā 

underlaid ˌən-dər-ˈlād  ; underlaying

transitive verb

1

: to cover, line, or traverse the bottom of : give support to on the underside or below

2

: to raise or support by something laid under

underlay

2 of 2

noun

un·​der·​lay ˈən-dər-ˌlā 

: something that is or is designed to be laid under

Examples of underlay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

There are still cheerleaders who say H.W. and Clinton’s top-tax-rate increases underlay the 1990s boom and budget surpluses. —Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025

There was another story that underlay the peace negotiations, and that was the story of the love between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. —Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2024

Noun

The top portion featured a long-sleeve lace underlay that extended from her neck down to her fingertips. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 5 May 2025

The couple looked glamorous on the red carpet, Teigen in a sleeveless, shimmery black lace dress that featured a nude underlay and plunging neckline. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for underlay

• aaa
• adonais
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

underlay

verb

un·​der·​lay

ˌən-dər-ˈlā

underlaid

-ˈlād

; underlaying

1

: to cover, line, or cross the bottom of

shingles underlaid with tar paper

2

: to raise or hold up by something laid under

underlay

ˈən-dər-ˌlā

noun