underline

1 of 2

verb

underlined; underlining; underlines

transitive verb

1
: to mark (something, such as a word) with a line underneath
2
: to put emphasis on : stress
3
: to show clearly or emphatically

underline

2 of 2

noun

un·​der·​line ˈən-dər-ˌlīn How to pronounce underline (audio)
1
: the outline of a quadruped's underbody
also : the ventral surface of a quadruped's body
2
: a horizontal line placed underneath something

Examples of underline in a Sentence

Verb His name was underlined in the book. The accident underlines our need for better safety procedures.
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.
Verb
While the fetus is perceived as a human being, underlines the director, children born around that time haven’t fully developed vital organs, which puts them at high risk, also of future health problems. Marta Balaga, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024 The deal for Dino Ranch: Island Explorers underlines an industry-wide move away from global rights deals to increasingly cobbling together financing as part of a traditional international co-production partnership. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
That’s because a low unemployment rate and hot job market underline a strong American consumer, whose spending helps drive up the cost of goods and services. Krystal Hur, CNN, 6 Oct. 2024 The sadness underlying its horror feels rooted in the ground feminists have lost since the ’90s—a decade when, as the casting of some of its most offbeat teen stars underlines and a soundtrack heavy on PJ Harvey and Tori Amos illustrates, pop culture made unprecedented space for young women’s rage. Judy Berman, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for underline 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1721, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underline was in 1721

Dictionary Entries Near underline

Cite this Entry

“Underline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underline. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

underline

verb
un·​der·​line
ˈən-dər-ˌlīn,
ˌən-dər-ˈlīn
1
: to draw a line under : underscore
2
underline
ˈən-dər-ˌlīn
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on underline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!