underpass

[ uhn-der-pas, -pahs ]

noun

1. a passage running underneath, especially a passage for pedestrians or vehicles, or both, crossing under a railroad, road, etc.

underpass

/ ˈʌndəˌpɑːs /

noun

1. a section of a road that passes under another road, railway line, etc
2. another word for subway

Word History and Origins

Origin of underpass¹

First recorded in 1900–05; under- + pass

Example Sentences

It’s believed Golden State bats are clustering in smaller numbers in rock crevices, swaying palm fronds, freeway underpasses and other hideaways where they’re hard to find.

From Los Angeles Times

But she somehow made her way around the busy metropolis to the Santa Monica Mountains by the summer — crossing, at least, the 5 Freeway, perhaps using an underpass, wildlife officials had said.

From Los Angeles Times

He filmed himself on his phone holding up the tent in an underpass, saying he was “going to survive the hurricane. Why? To entertain the people”.

From BBC

De León is an outspoken backer of Los Angeles Municipal Code 41.18, which prohibits homeless encampments next to schools, daycare centers and key locations selected by the council, such as freeway underpasses or senior centers.

From Los Angeles Times

The railway underpass off Station Road was an unloved and often unsafe pedestrian route connecting the town centre to the Oasis Leisure Centre, Swindon College and countless employers.

From BBC

Related Words

• channel
• hole
• mine
• pit
• shaft
• subway