underthrow

verb

un·​der·​throw ˈən-dər-ˌthrō How to pronounce underthrow (audio)
underthrew; underthrowing; underthrows

transitive verb

: to throw (a ball or pass) short of the intended receiver in football
also : to throw a pass short of
underthrow a receiver

Examples of underthrow 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.
In the fourth quarter, Brandon Graham forced Rush to underthrow a wide-open Lamb, resulting in his third interception. — Dallas News, 16 Oct. 2022 Watch teams that try deep shots each weekend and overthrow or underthrow them. — Doug Lesmerises, cleveland, 1 Nov. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underthrow was in 1963

Rhymes for underthrow

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Cite this Entry

“Underthrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underthrow. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

underthrow

verb
un·​der·​throw -ˌthrō How to pronounce underthrow (audio)
: to throw (a ball or pass) short of the intended receiver in football
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