1. the world of the dead; the underworld in mythology or religion
Usage: mythology; religion
2. hidden or secret worlds, especially those associated with crime or illegal activities
Usage: figurative

Examples

• Ancient Greek myths described heroes journeying to the netherworlds to rescue loved ones.
• The detective investigated the city’s netherworlds of organized crime.
• Many cultures have stories about spirits traveling between our world and the netherworlds.
• The novel explored the dark netherworlds of human trafficking.
• Religious texts often describe the netherworlds as places of judgment.
• He wrote about the hidden netherworlds that exist beneath ordinary society.