What does underarm mean?
“Underarm” has two closely related uses. As a noun, it means the armpit: the hollow beneath the shoulder where the arm meets the torso. As an adjective or adverb, it describes a movement made with the arm below shoulder level, such as an underarm throw, serve, or bowling delivery. This use contrasts with “overarm” and “overhand,” which involve swinging the arm above the shoulder. The adjective and adverb are especially familiar in descriptions of tennis, cricket, baseball, bowling, and other activities where control matters more than maximum distance or force. Although “underarm” can sound like a close alternative to “underhand,” the latter also has a common figurative meaning involving deception or unfair secrecy. In its bodily sense, “underarm” is straightforward and neutral, while “axilla” provides a more technical medical alternative.
The armpit, the hollow beneath the shoulder where the arm joins the body.
"She applied deodorant to each underarm."
The formal medical term is “axilla.”
Of or relating to the armpit, or performed with the arm below the shoulder.
"The coach showed him how to make an underarm serve."
In sporting contexts, it usually describes a controlled movement made below shoulder height.
With the arm held or moving below the shoulder rather than overhead.
"He threw the stone underarm across the garden."
This is common in descriptions of throws, serves, bowling, and similar actions.
The plural is used when referring to both armpits or to the armpit area in more than one person or garment.
"The shirt is cut to cover the underarms more fully."
One word moves neatly from the body’s hidden hollow to the unmistakable motion of a gently tossed ball.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does underarm come from?
“Underarm” is a compound formed from “under” and “arm.” The word “arm” descends from Old English “earm,” while “under” developed from an Old English word meaning “beneath” or “below.” The compound’s bodily and movement senses are therefore transparent: it refers to the area under the arm or to a movement made from beneath the arm. The English form has close parallels in languages such as German, “Unterarm,” and Dutch, “onderarm.”
How underarm is actually used
The noun is neutral and familiar, although “axilla” is the preferred formal medical term. As an adjective or adverb, “underarm” is descriptive and commonly used in sports, games, and descriptions of throwing or bowling.
Easily confused with underarm
“Underarm” describes a movement made with the arm below the shoulder, while “underhand” can describe the same throwing style but also commonly implies secrecy or deception.