underway

1 of 2

adjective

un·​der·​way ˌən-dər-ˈwā 

: occurring, performed, or used while traveling or in motion

underway replenishment of fuel

underway

2 of 2

adverb

variants or less commonly under way

1

: in motion : not at anchor or aground

The ship was underway at dawn.

2

: into motion from a standstill

The train should be underway again soon.

3

: in progress : happening now

Preparations for the celebration are already underway.

A search is underway.

The season got underway with a bang.

Synonyms

Adverb

• afoot
• under weigh

Examples of underway in a Sentence

Adverb

construction of the new shopping mall is under way

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Work is also underway on NASA's DAVINCI (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) mission that features a descent probe to plunge through the planet's clouds down to its surface. —Leonard David, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2025

After being delayed twice following the L.A. wildfires, the red carpet is underway at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica ahead of the ceremony, celebrating the biggest stars in television and film this year. —Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025

After facing multiple delays due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the 2025 Critics Choice Awards are finally underway in Santa Monica, California, hosted by Chelsea Handler for the third consecutive year. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2025

The first war of President Trump’s administration is well underway. —Dan Lennington, National Review, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

probably from Dutch onderweg, from Middle Dutch onderwegen, literally, under or among the ways

First Known Use

Adjective

1743, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1720, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

under way

adverb

1

: in or into motion

a ship getting under way

2

: in progress

preparations are under way