underarm

American  

[uhn-der-ahrm] / ˈʌn dərˌɑrm /

adjective

1. of, situated, or for use under the arm or in the armpit.

   an underarm deodorant.

2. underhand.

   an underarm pitch in softball.

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noun

1. armpit.

adverb

1. underhand.

underarm British  

/ ˈʌndərˌɑːm /

adjective

1. (of a measurement) extending along the arm from wrist to armpit

2. sport of or denoting a style of throwing, bowling, or serving in which the hand is swung below shoulder level

3. below the arm

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adverb

1. in an underarm style

Etymology

Origin of underarm

First recorded in 1810–20; under- + arm ¹

Example Sentences

But Moutet reeled off four straight games from 0-3 down, throwing in some underarm serves, dropshots and tweeners for good measure.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

The bowler must ask the striker if he or she is ready and then yell "play" as the ball is delivered underarm with at least one bounce.

From Barron's • Nov. 23, 2025

The ball jingles and is bowled underarm along the pitch.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

Bowling is underarm, unlike in the traditional game.

From Barron's • Nov. 16, 2025

I’m conscious of my stained uniform: do I smell of underarm sweat, of chicken fat?

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood