underside

noun

un·​der·​side ˈən-dər-ˌsīd How to pronounce underside (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈsīd
1
: the side or surface lying underneath
2
: a side usually hidden from sight
specifically : the more unpleasant or reprehensible side
the underside of politics

Examples of underside in a Sentence

the underside of the table The book explores the underside of human nature.
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.
His videos, paring down the frog, or fleshy, central toe on the underside of a hoof, or painting on polish, regularly get hundreds of millions of views. Sarah Maslin Nir, New York Times, 21 May 2025 The underside of your vehicle is hot and can easily ignite grasses from your exhaust muffler. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 These small insects have a waxy, white, cottony appearance and can usually be found in clusters on the underside of leaves and in stem joints. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025 Make sure to cover every surface of the plant, especially on the undersides of leaves and in crevices between stems. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underside

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underside was in 1660

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Cite this Entry

“Underside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underside. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

underside

noun
un·​der·​side ˈən-dər-ˌsīd How to pronounce underside (audio)
ˌən-dər-ˈsīd
: the side or part lying underneath

More from Merriam-Webster on underside

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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