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
For a deeper understanding of how Amazon’s Alexa-Rufus integration works and its technological underpinnings, read my companion article on the patent that reveals Amazon's product discovery strategy.
—
Kiri Masters, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
The Obama-era determination under the Clean Air Act is the legal underpinning of a host of climate regulations for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources.
—Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Parade ultra-flattering high rise thong $14 PARADE Natori Being both women-founded and family-owned, the Natori empire expands from silk pajamas and robes, to quality underpinnings customers are more than obsessed with.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
But its early stirrings emerged in McKinley’s foreign policy and its philosophical underpinnings.
—Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
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Kiri Masters, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
The Obama-era determination under the Clean Air Act is the legal underpinning of a host of climate regulations for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources.
—Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Parade ultra-flattering high rise thong $14 PARADE Natori Being both women-founded and family-owned, the Natori empire expands from silk pajamas and robes, to quality underpinnings customers are more than obsessed with.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
But its early stirrings emerged in McKinley’s foreign policy and its philosophical underpinnings.
—Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 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 23 Mar. 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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