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
Synonyms
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
Some 75 percent of the genes that cause genetic diseases in humans are also found in fruit flies, so understanding their neural underpinnings could shed light on our own.
—
Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024
How To Clarify Higher Education's Message Messaging challenges may happen in part because many colleges have historically fallen back on their historic underpinnings as liberal arts institutions.
—Brian Mitchell, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
As generative and other types of AI increasingly become organizational underpinnings, the conversation around who will own the various aspects of it may spark a new conversation around a company’s overall architecture.
—Rachel Curry, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024
Birthright citizenship’s legal underpinnings The notion of birthright citizenship can be traced to 1608 with Calvin’s Case, a British decision that became part of the common law adopted in the U.S. legal system’s early days.
—Louis Jacobson, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Dec. 2024
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Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024
How To Clarify Higher Education's Message Messaging challenges may happen in part because many colleges have historically fallen back on their historic underpinnings as liberal arts institutions.
—Brian Mitchell, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
As generative and other types of AI increasingly become organizational underpinnings, the conversation around who will own the various aspects of it may spark a new conversation around a company’s overall architecture.
—Rachel Curry, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024
Birthright citizenship’s legal underpinnings The notion of birthright citizenship can be traced to 1608 with Calvin’s Case, a British decision that became part of the common law adopted in the U.S. legal system’s early days.
—Louis Jacobson, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpinning
Dictionary Entries Near underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 5 Jan. 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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