underground

word

/ˈəndɝˌɡɹaʊnd/
UN-dur-grownd
/ˈʌndəˌɡraʊnd/
UN-duh-grownd

Definition

Underground means below the surface of the ground. It can also describe secret or illegal activity, or music, art, and culture that are outside the mainstream.

Usage & Nuances

As an adjective, it often means 'below ground': 'underground tunnel'. As a noun in British English, 'the Underground' means the subway system in London. It also commonly describes secret groups ('an underground movement') or non-mainstream culture ('underground music').

Example Sentences

The train goes underground after this station.

basic

They built an underground parking garage.

basic

She likes underground music more than pop.

basic

We took the Underground to the museum because traffic was terrible.

natural

The group printed newspapers in an underground press during the war.

natural

That café has become a meeting spot for the city's underground art scene.

natural