un·der·way ˌən-dər-ˈwā 
: occurring, performed, or used while traveling or in motion
underway replenishment of fuel
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.
Examples of underway in a Sentence
Adverb construction of the new shopping mall is under way
Recent Examples on the Web
New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026 As many as a dozen studies involving GLP-1 use are underway for women with PCOS and obesity. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 For months, with early site preparation work underway on the Far South Side, the transit agency was unable to access federal reimbursements to pay for that work. —Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underway
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.
Adjective
Sykes and his wife Diane began the project around six years ago, and the bike is now in its fifth stage of development, with further refinements still underway. —New Atlas, 25 Apr. 2026 As many as a dozen studies involving GLP-1 use are underway for women with PCOS and obesity. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
With his next chapter in the NFL now underway, Mendoza is eager to tackle the challenges ahead. —Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 For months, with early site preparation work underway on the Far South Side, the transit agency was unable to access federal reimbursements to pay for that work. —Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underway
Cite this Entry
“Underway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/underway. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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