below
- 1In a lower place than something else.
The sun slowly sank below the hills.
We watched fish swimming below the surface of the lake.
UsageSay ten meters below the surface. For something right underneath or covered, use under: under the bed.
Similarbeneath, under, underneath
- 2
- 3
- 4In or to a lower place, for example on a lower floor.
He climbed down to the rocks below.
From the plane, the fields looked tiny far below.
UsageOften after a noun, as in the rocks below, or in far below.
Less common meanings
- 5Colder than zero degrees, used when saying how cold it is.
It was ten below last night, so school was canceled.
Wear your warmest coat, because it feels like twenty below outside.
UsagePut the number first: ten below. Without a number, say below zero.
Oppositeabove
- 6On or to a lower level inside a ship.
Like going downstairs in a house, but on a ship.
The sailors went below when the storm hit.
All the food is stored below, near the engine room.
UsageSay go below or below decks.
Oppositetopside
Note
- 7Not good enough for someone's position or pride.
He acted like answering emails was below him.
The famous singer did not think helping to clean up after the show was below her.
UsageSay something is below me or below her. Beneath me means the same.
Similarbeneath
Note
- 8Farther down a river or stream than a place.
We set up camp just below the bridge, where the river slows down.
Fish gather below the dam every spring.
Oppositeabove
- 9Farther south than a place.
Mexico is below the United States on the map.
They drove to a beach town just below the state line.
Oppositeabove
- 10Closer to the audience than another person or thing on a stage.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
From Middle English bilooghe, made from be- plus low.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
- Below comes from Middle English bilooghe, formed from be- plus low. en.wiktionary.org