underpinning

noun

1
: the material and construction (such as a foundation) used for support of a structure
2
: something that serves as a foundation : basis, support
often used in plural
the philosophical underpinnings of educational methods
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
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.
Republicans focus on Christian Bible passages At Wednesday’s hearing, three Christian pastors testified in favor of LGBTQ+ rights, and were asked by Republican lawmakers about the scriptural underpinnings for their views. Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 22 Jan. 2025 But other than what’s mentioned above, the rest of the bike’s underpinnings are largely carried over from its sibling models. New Atlas, 19 Jan. 2025 It was pushed to March 2024, when meetings and a fractious presentation in Indian Wells, California, revealed that the commercial underpinnings of the plan did not yet exist. Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025 What a moment ago was festive theme park fare becomes something more reflective, all while slightly nodding to the holiday’s more spiritual underpinnings. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for underpinning 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underpinning was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near underpinning

Cite this Entry

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

underpinning

noun
1
: the foundation used for support of a structure
2
3
: a person's legs
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on underpinning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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