undertow

noun

un·​der·​tow ˈən-dər-ˌtō 

1

: the current beneath the surface that sets seaward or along the beach when waves are breaking upon the shore

2

: an underlying current, force, or tendency that is in opposition to what is apparent

Examples of undertow in a Sentence

Don't get caught in the undertow.

Recent Examples on the Web

Several jellyfish species can be found in the North Sea as the creatures get carried away with the undertow, given offshore winds. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Beyond them, in both directions, conditions change, maybe rocks or too strong an undertow below the surface. —Christopher Kondrich, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025

Dangerous rip currents, undertows and large waves pose hazards in at least a dozen states on Friday. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025

Rip currents are often confused with rip tides or undertows, none of which actually pull you downward. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undertow

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

undertow

noun

un·​der·​tow ˈən-dər-ˌtō 

: a current beneath the surface of the water that moves away from or along the shore while the surface water above it moves toward the shore