Dictionary
Thesaurus
Reference
Translate
Web
underway - 4 dictionary results

under way

–noun
1. Also, underway. (of a ship) no longer in port, at anchor, etc.; moving.
2. no longer at rest, stationary, etc.; in motion; traveling: We'll put our bags in the car and be under way.
3. proceeding; in progress: Plans are under way to sell the company.

un⋅der⋅way

[uhn-der-wey for 1; uhn-der-wey for 2]
–adjective
1. occurring while under way: the underway activities on a cruise ship.
2. under way (def. 1).

Origin:
1735–45; adj. use of the prep. phrase under way; see way 1
un·der way or un·der·way   (ŭn'dər-wā')
adv.   & adj.
  1. In motion or operation.
  2. Already commenced or initiated; in progress.
  3. Nautical Neither anchored nor moored to a fixed object.

underway  (adv.)
1934, of ships, "having begun to move," from under + way. In ref. to projects, activities, etc., it is attested from 1935.
Search another word or see underway on Thesaurus | Reference