Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

underway

American  
[uhn-der-wey, uhn-der-wey] / ˈʌn dərˌweɪ, ˈʌn dərˈweɪ /

adjective

  1. occurring while under way.

    the underway activities on a cruise ship.

  2. under way.

Etymology

Origin of underway

1735–45; adj. use of the adverbial phrase under way; see way 1

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.

Underway replenishments involve transferring supplies and fuel between two ships sailing side-by-side.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Underway at Reading where Port Vale are the visitors in League One.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2024

The AIS tracking status of the Panama-flagged Asphalt Princess was "Underway Using Engine" early on Wednesday, according to Refinitiv ship tracking data.

From Reuters • Aug. 4, 2021

Underway on Wednesday: it’s YALCON, the national convention of Young Americans for Liberty, which stands behind liberty of course, along with less government.

From Washington Times • Jul. 24, 2018

Underway are more “Star Wars”-related movies, Indiana Jones vehicles, “Avatar” films and a “Jurassic World” sequel.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2015

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.