underarm

[uhn-der-ahrm]

adjective

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

   an underarm deodorant.

2. underhand.

   an underarm pitch in softball.

noun

1. armpit.

adverb

1. underhand.

underarm

/ 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

adverb

1. in an underarm style

Word History and Origins

Origin of underarm¹

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.

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The ball jingles and is bowled underarm along the pitch.

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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.

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Bowling is underarm, unlike in the traditional game.

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At one point, she resorted to underarm serves.

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