underling

noun

un·​der·​ling ˈən-dər-liŋ How to pronounce underling (audio)
: one who is under the orders of another : subordinate, inferior

Examples of underling in a Sentence

He takes all the credit, but most of the hard work is done by his underlings. the real estate tycoon has a whole army of underlings to attend to the details
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.
Don't bet on Trump paying the underling's fine, and that $1,000 a day could add up to well over $1,000,000 before Trump leaves office. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 This is not an image of himself as Kier Eagan, but of Kier in blackface to appease a useful Black underling. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2025 His Cabinet nominees, Wiles told her underlings, according to two sources familiar with the call, were chosen to deliver on that promise. Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 20 Jan. 2025 No one’s clamoring to see a movie about a male exec happily bedding his female underling. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for underling 

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underling was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near underling

Cite this Entry

“Underling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underling. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

underling

noun
un·​der·​ling ˈən-dər-liŋ How to pronounce underling (audio)
: one who is under the orders of another : subordinate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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