balance beam

noun

1

: a narrow wooden beam supported in a horizontal position approximately four feet above the floor and used for balancing feats in gymnastics

2

: an event in gymnastics competition in which the balance beam is used

Examples of balance beam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Teammates roll kegs, walk a balance beam loaded down with full beer steins, and even saw logs in an attempt to take the title. — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 1 Sep. 2026

Yet 20 minutes later, it was long forgotten during a graceful balance beam routine that brought her to within striking distance of the lead. — CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

In the world of traffic oddities, one car straddling a bike path median — like a gymnast poised on a balance beam — could be called a fluke. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Often considered a dark horse on the Team USA squad, 17-year-old Simone Rose rose to the occasion on Sunday, winning a pair of silver medals on the uneven bars and on balance beam. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for balance beam

• cefotaxime
• seriatim
• abeam
• airstream
• bloodstream
• daydream
• downstream
• esteem
• extreme
• grapheme
• hakim
• hornbeam

Kids Definition

balance beam

noun

: a narrow wooden beam supported in a horizontal position above the floor and used for balancing feats in gymnastics