underside

noun

un·​der·​side ˈən-dər-ˌsīd How to pronounce underside (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈsīd
1
: the side or surface lying underneath
2
: a side usually hidden from sight
specifically : the more unpleasant or reprehensible side
the underside of politics

Examples of underside in a Sentence

the underside of the table The book explores the underside of human nature.
Recent Examples on the Web New underpass lighting at overpass at Hancock Street An LED lighting system is coming to the underside of the East Main Street overpass at Hancock Street. Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 The process produces soot, which accumulates on the underside of the pan; the superfine powder is then collected and stored as kohl in ornate brass pots. Zahra Hankir, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 The underside of the roof is clad in teak and hovers over the house. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2024 To convert the machine from a blower into a vacuum and mulcher, release the bottom latch on the underside of the device, and insert the vacuum attachment. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2024 Cook the fritters until the undersides are browned, about 3 minutes, then carefully turn them and cook until the second sides are nicely browned, for about 2 minutes. Julia Turshen, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Police found the pigeon near a port in Mumbai in May with two metal rings tied to its leg and what looked like Chinese writing on the underside of its wings. Kelsey Ables, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2024 Cut five 3-ft. pieces of paracord, knot one end of each; attach with an adhesive dot to underside of umbrella, spacing them out among the ribbons. Amanda Kingloff, Parents, 2 Feb. 2024 The front of the comforter is a seersucker texture, while the underside of the comforter is smooth. Andrea Wurzburger, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underside.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underside was in 1660

Dictionary Entries Near underside

Cite this Entry

“Underside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underside. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

underside

noun
un·​der·​side ˈən-dər-ˌsīd How to pronounce underside (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈsīd
: the side or part lying underneath

More from Merriam-Webster on underside

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