cantilever

1 of 2

noun

can·​ti·​le·​ver ˈkan-tə-ˌlē-vər How to pronounce cantilever (audio)
-ˌle-
: a projecting beam or member supported at only one end: such as
a
: a bracket-shaped member supporting a balcony or a cornice
b
: either of the two beams or trusses that project from piers toward each other and that when joined directly or by a suspended connecting member form a span of a cantilever bridge

cantilever

2 of 2

verb

cantilevered; cantilevering; cantilevers

transitive verb

1
: to support by a cantilever
a cantilevered shelf
2
: to build as a cantilever

intransitive verb

: to project as a cantilever

Did you know?

Cantilevers hold up a surface or room without themselves being supported at their outer end. Many outdoor balconies are cantilevered, and theater balconies may be as well. A cantilevered bridge may have a huge span (as long as 1,800 feet) built out on either side of a single large foundation pier. Architects sometimes use cantilevered construction to produce dramatic effects; Frank Lloyd Wright's "Fallingwater" house, which extends out over a rocky river, is a famous example. But the Grand Canyon's "Skywalk" has become perhaps the best-known piece of cantilevered construction in America.

Examples of cantilever in a Sentence

Noun The porch is supported by steel cantilevers. Verb The balcony cantilevers over the terrace below.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Work also has been finished to ensure the underwater lights, the cantilever deck and gutters, structural repairs and new piping comply with state code. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2023 In addition to the proof-of-concept tiny wine glass and optical resonator, the authors printed a tiny version of the KTH logo, a cantilever, and a conical spiral, as well as a silica glass optical fiber tip. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 7 July 2023 Adirondack chairs are 79% off, cantilever umbrellas are 71% off, and side tables are 81% off, with plenty more markdowns on all the things that will help turn your outdoor space into a personal oasis. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2024 Waterproofing the cantilever would help, but that hasn’t happened yet either. Ginia Bellafante, New York Times, 24 June 2023 Their two futuristic towers are connected by the world’s longest cantilever, the Link. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2023 Near the kitchen, a den opens to a patio tucked under one of the home’s cantilevers, where a linear fire feature is set against a backdrop of fluttering leaves and twisted branches. Mark David, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2023 Floor-to-ceiling walls of glass erase barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces, while daring cantilevers create shaded terraces below, and cutouts in deep roof overhangs allow trees to grow through them. Mark David, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2023 That's where the best cantilever umbrellas come in: While your classic market umbrella with a center pole will certainly do the job of protecting against harmful rays, cantilever ones (also called offset umbrellas) have some big advantages. Woman's Day, 16 Mar. 2023
Verb
Cantilevered deck At front center of the property is an expansive deck that is partially cantilevered 40 feet above the ground. David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2024 It’s cantilevered out of the building, with a stunning panoramic view of the lake below. Carole Sovocool, Robb Report, 22 Dec. 2023 In the primary suite, which cantilevers out over the pool, there’s a seascape positioned directly behind the bed. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2023 In total, there’s 3,000 square feet of living space, with huge outdoor decks front and rear, a salon that wouldn’t look out of place in a hip Miami penthouse, and a beach club with a cantilevering dive platform. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2023 The way some pieces are cantilevered over the edge of the niche give the ensemble a temporary, precarious look, like avalanches poised to happen. Roberta Smith, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2023 Early versions of his design called for an ink-black structure, with the fluid lines of a Jean Arp collage, on the north side of Wilshire, cantilevered over the edge of the La Brea Tar Pits next door. Christopher Hawthorne, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2023 The proposal by the Diller Scofidio + Renfro team would also cantilever a gallery for contemporary art over a plaza facing Klyde Warren Park, that structure being an enormous box with a row of north-facing monitor skylights projecting from its roof. Mark Lamster, Dallas News, 11 July 2023 The bookshelves are cantilevered out from the sides, giving them the appearance of floating from the ceiling. Megan Wood, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cantilever.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps from cant entry 4 + -i- + lever

First Known Use

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cantilever was in 1667

Dictionary Entries Near cantilever

Cite this Entry

“Cantilever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantilever. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cantilever

noun
can·​ti·​le·​ver
ˈkant-ᵊl-ˌē-vər,
 also  -ev-ər
1
: a beam or support fastened at only one end
2
: either of two beams or structures that stick out from piers toward each other and when joined form a span in a bridge
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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