under-the-table

adjective

un·​der-the-ta·​ble ˈən-dər-ṯẖə-ˈtā-bəl How to pronounce under-the-table (audio)
: covert and usually unlawful
under-the-table payoffs

Examples of under-the-table in a Sentence

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.
This controversy over, perhaps, some unaccounted-for under-the-table money will not change his on-court legacy much. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025 Skinner is a reprieve from Aishe’s life working in brutal restaurant kitchens for under-the-table wages; Aishe is a grounding force for Skinner, grieving the loss of his best friend and managing his PTSD symptoms with a cocktail of meds and plenty of booze. Katie Walsh, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025 As alluded to previously, many athletes accepted under-the-table payments from schools (and their partners) who knew their contributions have a meaningful impact on their (and their partners’) bottom line. Nick Lomaglio, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 The truth is, under the old system, plenty of elite players were there only for the under-the-table cash. Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for under-the-table

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of under-the-table was in 1948

Cite this Entry

“Under-the-table.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under-the-table. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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