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
Verb
But how the all-Republican court wound up stopping Roberson’s execution in the final hours underlined the extraordinary maneuvers used by a bipartisan coalition of state House lawmakers who have come to his defense. Juan A. Lozano and Michael Graczyk, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024 But how the all-Republican court wound up stopping Mr. Roberson’s execution in the final hours underlined the extraordinary maneuvers used by a bipartisan coalition of state House lawmakers who have come to his defense. Juan A. Lozano and Michael Graczyk, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Oct. 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 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underline.' 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

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 31 Oct. 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
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