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.
Synonyms
Examples of underway in a Sentence
Adverb
construction of the new shopping mall is under way
Recent Examples on the Web
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
See all Example Sentences for underway 
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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
See all Example Sentences for underway
Dictionary Entries Near underway
Cite this Entry
“Underway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underway. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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