underline
Americanverb (used with object)
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to mark with a line or lines underneath; underscore.
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to indicate the importance of; emphasize, as by stressing or italicizing.
noun
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Printing. a caption under an illustration.
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a line drawn under something; an underscore.
verb
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to put a line under
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to state forcibly; emphasize or reinforce
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of underline
Vocabulary lists containing underline
Language and Grammar - Introductory
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Language and Grammar - Middle School
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Reading: Informational - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Josh Bivens, the chief economist at the Economic Policy Institute, pointed to Federal Reserve data to underline the discrepancy between the tariffs Americans have paid versus the refunds they are seeing this year.
From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026
At early Coachella rehearsals, you could see a well-seasoned group working to underline its distinct cultural voice, while still delivering the exuberant pop it’s beloved for.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
I’m supposed to underline that this is road-tested technology, and it’s not going to be abused or prolong the action–teams are limited to two unsuccessful challenges per game.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
"These findings underline the importance of international trade, storage, and flexible policies. Because droughts do not hit all regions at the same time, smart planning can use this natural diversity to buffer global food supplies."
From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2026
And then an n and underline it and an e and so on until you’ve spelled your whole message.”
From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
