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

One advert for a deodorant called Mum, published in an American magazine in 1938, urged women to "face the truth about underarm perspiration odour".

Read more on BBC

Posting on TikTok, one customer claimed she wanted to "rip my armpits out", while another said her underarms felt like they were "on fire".

Read more on BBC

The tension has led to arguments over on-court etiquette - or the lack of it - with net cords, underarm serves and body shots all under scrutiny.

Read more on BBC

A shorter racket, a smaller court and an underarm serve.

Read more on BBC

Padel balls are smaller than those used in tennis and players serve underarm.

Read more on BBC