underling

noun

un·​der·​ling ˈən-dər-liŋ How to pronounce underling (audio)
: one who is under the orders of another : subordinate, inferior

Examples of underling in a Sentence

He takes all the credit, but most of the hard work is done by his underlings. the real estate tycoon has a whole army of underlings to attend to the details
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to a ProPublica report, some of Nunes’ underlings have concerns about his performance. Zach Everson, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 Combs did so by wielding an iron fist, exacting loyalty from his underlings with violence and threats. Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024 While this is intentionally a casual Friday dress office, these are very bespoke underlings, but only one, glaringly, is dressed to vibrant excess, if not success. Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 8 Oct. 2024 From his prison cell at Corcoran, witnesses testified at Chavez’s trial, Estrada controlled a network of underlings who collected money and sold drugs in nearly every prison yard in California. Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for underling 

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underling was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near underling

Cite this Entry

“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underling. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

underling

noun
un·​der·​ling ˈən-dər-liŋ How to pronounce underling (audio)
: one who is under the orders of another : subordinate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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