underwater

American  

[uhn-der-waw-ter, -wot-er] / ˈʌn dərˈwɔ tər, -ˈwɒt ər /

adjective

1. existing or occurring under water.

2. designed to be used under water.

3. located below a ship's waterline.

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adverb

1. beneath the water.

   to travel underwater.

noun

1. the water beneath the surface.

   cold currents in the underwater.

2. underwaters, the depths, as of a sea, lake, etc.

underwater British  

/ ˈʌndəˈwɔːtə /

adjective

1. being, occurring, or going under the surface of the water, esp the sea

   underwater exploration

2. nautical below the water line of a vessel

3. (of a stock option or other asset) having a market value below its purchase value

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adverb

1. beneath the surface of the water

Etymology

Origin of underwater

First recorded in 1620–30; under- + water

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

underwater

They are typically generated when a sudden disturbance, such as an earthquake, underwater landslide, or asteroid impact, rapidly displaces the water above it.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 21, 2026

Mowi, the world’s biggest Atlantic salmon producer, used underwater cameras and blue-light lasers to help reach a 99.3% survival rate last year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026

California has designated its first tribal-championed marine protected areas, often described as underwater parks.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026

The underwater test-fire of the "super-speed" Zam-2.0 torpedo system took place on Thursday "to confirm the successful technical updating" of the weapon, the Korean Central News Agency said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 17, 2026

When you finally drop down, the trampoline mat sinking, it’s like you’re underwater.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

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Related Words

• submerged
• undersea

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