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

An architectural marvel, the Link is the world’s longest cantilever, floating between two towers like a futuristic sky bridge. —Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

The top choices on our list include cantilever and market umbrellas in a variety of sizes and styles. —Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025

Verb

King, both a competitor and assistant tennis coach at Georgia Tech, loves the fan engagement, noting that the venue set up with second floor seating cantilevered over the court contributes to the total experience. —Candace Oehler, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Could the tower cantilever entirely over the corner housing the new church? —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for cantilever

• howsoever
• whatsoever
• whensoever
• wheresoever
• whomsoever
• whosoever
• bever
• clever
• ever
• haver
• lever
• never

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