noun
Uncommon
underworld
UHN-duh-wurld
Underworld (noun) means the organized criminal side of society, especially those involved in serious or large-scale crime. Example: “The detective had contacts deep in the city's underworld.”
noun
1
The organized criminal side of society, especially those involved in serious or large-scale crime.
"The detective had contacts deep in the city's underworld."
"A disproportionate amount of local politicians have connections to the underworld."
2
In mythology, the world of the dead, imagined as existing beneath the world of the living.
"In Hindu scriptures, the four-eyed dogs Śārvara and Śyāma guard the underworld's entrance."
"In Greek myth, Hades ruled over the underworld."
How to use underworld
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the hidden world of organized crime, or the mythical realm of the dead.
Common pairings
criminal underworld
ruler of the underworld
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Word forms
- Plural
- underworlds
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The detective had contacts deep in the city's _____.
Etymology
From under- plus world.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for underworld
See all rhymes for underworld →Frequently asked questions
What does “underworld” mean?
The word “underworld” means the organized criminal side of society, especially those involved in serious or large-scale crime. In plain terms, either the hidden world of organized crime, or the mythical realm of the dead.
How do you pronounce “underworld”?
“Underworld” is pronounced UHN-duh-wurld (/ˈʌndɚˌwɚld/ in IPA).
How do you use “underworld” in a sentence?
Here is “underworld” used in a sentence: “The detective had contacts deep in the city's underworld.”
What part of speech is “underworld”?
“Underworld” is a noun.
Is “underworld” a common word?
“Underworld” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “underworld” have?
“Underworld” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the organized criminal side of society, especially those involved in serious or large-scale crime.
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