underarm

[uhn-der-ahrm]

adjective

of, situated, or for use under the arm or in the armpit: an underarm deodorant.

underhand: an underarm pitch in softball.

noun

armpit.

adverb

underhand.

Nearby words

Origin of underarm

First recorded in 1810–20; under- + arm¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for underarm

Finishing—Sew up seams at underarm and sleeve seams, insert sleeves into arm holes, having seams meet at underarm.
Juvenile Styles, Volume 4|Mary Hoyer
Shape the jacket by crocheting the sleeves and underarm seams together.
The Library of Work and Play: Needlecraft|Effie Archer Archer
Continue knitting in extra or lesser length to underarm, for armhole and for sleeves.
Beehive for Bairns, Vol. 2|Various
In fitting the outside the back is pinned on to the lining firmly, then the front and finally at the underarm seams.
Textiles and Clothing|Kate Heintz Watson

An underarm dart gives a smooth adjustment over each hip, and in these darts are inserted the back edges of the vest.
Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 1, January 5, 1884.|Various

British Dictionary definitions for underarm

underarm

adjective

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

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

below the arm

adverb

in an underarm style

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for underarm

underarm

adj.

1816, "underhand" (in reference to a style of throwing), from under + arm (n.1). First attested 1908 in dressmaking sense of "seams on the lower half of the arm-hole;" as a euphemism for armpit, it is attested from 1930s, popularized by advertisers.

Medicine definitions for underarm

underarm

[ŭn′dər-ärm′]

adj.

Located, placed, or used under the arm.

n.

The armpit.