underlaid

American  

[uhn-der-leyd] / ˌʌn dərˈleɪd /

adjective

1. placed or laid underneath, as a foundation or substratum.

2. having an underneath layer (often followed bywith ).

   a lace tablecloth underlaid with damask; courtesy underlaid with reserve.

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verb

1. simple past tense and past participle of underlay.

underlaid British  

/ ˌʌndəˈleɪd /

adjective

1. laid underneath

2. having an underlay or supporting layer underneath

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verb

1. the past tense and past participle of underlay

Etymology

Origin of underlaid

before 1100; late Old English under lede (not recorded in ME); under-, laid

Example Sentences

Patriotic pride has also underlaid British media coverage of Aden Durde, who improbably learnt American football in London's Finsbury Park and ended up as a defensive coordinator for the Seahawks.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

The clip was underlaid by fawning discussion of his “mythical” rise from the outer boroughs to the White House.

From Salon • Jul. 13, 2025

A key scene comes toward the end, when Sister Mary invites Bill in and they have what appears to be a mundane discussion but one that is underlaid with a threat.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2024

For the British, World War I was fought close to home, and there’s still a mood of giddy survival underlaid by terrible loss.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2022

It was backed by silver filigree, underlaid with red satin, and it had a small silver handle.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare