cantilever

1 of 2

noun

can·​ti·​le·​ver ˈkan-tə-ˌlē-vər 

-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

Her impressive footwear collection includes the Loewe Terra penny loafer—complete with a cantilever heel—cherry red loafers from The Row, and even your dad’s favorite fisherman sandal (worn with socks, obviously). —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2024

The cartridge has a stiff and lightweight aluminum cantilever for accurate tracking, more detail and lower distortion, while a dual magnet generator produces better channel separation. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

Verb

The unique property is cantilevered about 100 feet in the air and faces west so people inside can experience the full desert sunset. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2024

But the highlight is the ingenious rooftop tent, which cantilevers out and up in minutes; inside, I’m enveloped by the warm nostalgia of top-bunk memories from childhood. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2024

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

Phrases Containing cantilever

• cantilever bridge

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