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

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

From Barron's • Nov. 22, 2025

Bowling is underarm, unlike in the traditional game.

From Barron's • Nov. 16, 2025

Another described her underarm skin as developing a pink rash which had "scabbed over".

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

It would be most helpful to have a pair of Canadian crutches—forearm crutches, not underarm ones—to help stabilize his walk, but this means someone has to make another trip from the clinic.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French