underway

1 of 2

adjective

un·​der·​way ˌən-dər-ˈwā 

: occurring, performed, or used while traveling or in motion

underway replenishment of fuel

underway

2 of 2

adverb

variants or less commonly under way

1

: in motion : not at anchor or aground

The ship was underway at dawn.

2

: into motion from a standstill

The train should be underway again soon.

3

: in progress : happening now

Preparations for the celebration are already underway.

A search is underway.

The season got underway with a bang.

Synonyms

Adverb

• afoot
• under weigh

Examples of underway in a Sentence

Adverb

construction of the new shopping mall is under way

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Plans are underway to expand the facility in Cancún and build partnerships with hospitals and research institutions across the globe. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

The journey is underway, and with recent regulatory approvals and the commencement of testing, the timeline for Starlink's operational launch in Armenia is accelerating. —Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Numerous improvement projects are underway in Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 in Phoenix, and these new flights and restaurants are on the horizon. —Mark Jones, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024

The Ogden, Utah, Police Department has confirmed to ABC News that an investigation is underway and a detective has been assigned to the case. —Stephanie Fasano, ABC News, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

probably from Dutch onderweg, from Middle Dutch onderwegen, literally, under or among the ways

First Known Use

Adjective

1743, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

under way

adverb

1

: in or into motion

a ship getting under way

2

: in progress

preparations are under way