1. located on or above the surface of the earth
2. operating openly and legally rather than secretly

1. on or above the surface of the earth

Examples

• The aboveground pool was installed in their backyard.
• Aboveground power lines are more vulnerable to storms than buried cables.
• The organization decided to operate aboveground after years of secrecy.
• Most of the building’s structure is aboveground, with only the basement below.
• The subway emerged aboveground as it left the city center.
• Aboveground storage tanks require regular inspection for safety.
• The roots grew both underground and aboveground.