How to pronounce underway
Say it like uhn-der-WAY. Underway has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (WAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce underway. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- der
- WAY
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Underway pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- WAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of underway
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: un-duh-WAY.
What does underway mean?
- currently in progress“there is mischief afoot”“plans are afoot”
Where does underway come from?
Calque of Dutch onderweg (“underway”), equivalent to under- + way.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with underway
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of underway.
Questions about saying underway
How do you pronounce underway?
Say uhn-der-WAY. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌndɚˈweɪ/. In British English it is /ʌndəˈweɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in underway?
Underway has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (WAY). Broken into parts: uhn · der · WAY.
Is underway pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ʌndəˈweɪ/ (un-duh-WAY).