underarm

1 of 3

adjective

un·​der·​arm ˈən-dər-ˈärm How to pronounce underarm (audio)
1
British : underhand sense 3
2
: placed under or on the underside of the arm
underarm seams

underarm

2 of 3

adverb

un·​der·​arm ˌən-dər-ˈärm How to pronounce underarm (audio)
British : underhand sense 2

underarm

3 of 3

noun

un·​der·​arm ˈən-dər-ˌärm How to pronounce underarm (audio)
1
: armpit sense 1
2
: the part of a garment that covers the underside of the arm

Examples of underarm in a Sentence

Adverb He threw the ball underarm.
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.
Adjective
Similarly, this polka-dot pick looks breezy and loose in all the right places, including the underarm area. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 This spray is fully focused on odor control, but not at the expense of moisturizing your underarm skin. — Marci Robin, Allure, 19 May 2026
Noun
But there is no excuse required to produce an underarm serve. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026 Few things help beat the heat more than a strapless neckline, which frees up your underarms from being trapped in a hot T-shirt. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underarm

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underarm was in 1816

Rhymes for underarm

See All Rhymes for underarm

Browse Nearby Words

under a pseudonym
underarm
under arrest
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underarm. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

underarm

1 of 3 adjective
un·​der·​arm ˌən-də-ˌrärm How to pronounce underarm (audio)
1
: underhand entry 2 sense 2
an underarm toss
2
: placed under or on the underside of the arm
underarm seams

underarm

2 of 3 adverb
un·​der·​arm ˌən-də-ˈrärm How to pronounce underarm (audio)
: with an underarm motion

underarm

3 of 3 noun
un·​der·​arm ˈən-də-ˌrärm How to pronounce underarm (audio)
1
: armpit
2
: the part of a garment that covers the underside of the arm

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on underarm

Nglish: Translation of underarm for Spanish Speakers

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