undertaking

[ uhn-der-tey-king, uhn-der-tey- for 1–3; uhn-der-tey-king for 4 ]
/ ˌʌn dərˈteɪ kɪŋ, ˈʌn dərˌteɪ- for 1–3; ˈʌn dərˌteɪ kɪŋ for 4 /

noun

the act of a person who undertakes any task or responsibility.
a task, enterprise, etc., undertaken.
a promise; pledge; guarantee.
the business of an undertaker or funeral director.

Origin of undertaking

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at under, taking

Definition for undertaking (2 of 2)

undertake
[ uhn-der-teyk ]
/ ˌʌn dərˈteɪk /

verb (used with object), un·der·took, un·der·tak·en, un·der·tak·ing.

to take upon oneself, as a task, performance, etc.; attempt: She undertook the job of answering all the mail.
to promise, agree, or obligate oneself (followed by an infinitive): The married couple undertook to love, honor, and cherish each other.
to warrant or guarantee (followed by a clause): The sponsors undertake that their candidate meets all the requirements.
to take in charge; assume the duty of attending to: The lawyer undertook a new case.

verb (used without object), un·der·took, un·der·tak·en, un·der·tak·ing.

Archaic. to engage oneself by promise; give a guarantee, or become surety.

Origin of undertake

1150–1200; Middle English undertaken; see under-, take

OTHER WORDS FROM undertake

pre·un·der·take, verb (used with object), pre·un·der·took, pre·un·der·tak·en, pre·un·der·tak·ing.

Example sentences from the Web for undertaking

British Dictionary definitions for undertaking (1 of 2)

undertaking
/ (ˈʌndəˌteɪkɪŋ) /

noun

something undertaken; task, venture, or enterprise
an agreement to do something
the business of an undertaker
informal the practice of overtaking on an inner lane a vehicle which is travelling in an outer lane

British Dictionary definitions for undertaking (2 of 2)

undertake
/ (ˌʌndəˈteɪk) /

verb -takes, -taking, -took or -taken

(tr) to contract to or commit oneself to (something) or (to do something) to undertake a job; to undertake to deliver the goods
(tr) to attempt to; agree to start
(tr) to take (someone) in charge
(intr foll by for) archaic to make oneself responsible (for)
(tr) to promise