underworld
Americannoun
-
the criminal element of human society.
-
the imagined abode of departed souls or spirits; Hades.
-
a region below the surface, as of the earth or a body of water.
-
the opposite side of the earth; the antipodes.
-
Archaic. the earth.
noun
-
-
criminals and their associates considered collectively
-
( as modifier )
underworld connections
-
-
the regions below the earth's surface regarded as the abode of the dead; Hades
Etymology
Origin of underworld
Vocabulary lists containing underworld
Reading: Literature - Mythology - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Reading: Literature - Mythology - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Ancient Greece: Mythology and Literature - Middle School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Yet before she can truly represent both the queen of the underworld and goddess of spring, Moreno must first survive the gauntlet that is the New York winter.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026
At least three high-level operatives would likely race for the throne of Oseguera’s underworld empire, said U.S. authorities.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026
The country has a sprawling underworld of clandestine artisanal miners.
From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026
There may be no better time for a schemer like Ashur to be resurrected from the underworld.
From Salon • Dec. 7, 2025
Much like his godly forefather, Orcus, the underworld god of punishment, Bryce was completely remorseless.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
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.
