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

In structural terms, a cantilever is a beam or slab anchored at only one end, allowing for horizontal overhangs that appear to float. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Oct. 2025

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

Verb

Time hits differently on the Aeolians, particularly on sleepy Salina, whose volcanic slopes are carpeted in wild capers and whose lava-houses and fishing villages appear cantilevered over the cliffs, with views of a smoking Stromboli. —Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026

Loesing specializes in midcentury homes and helped the Tootlas turn a former bachelor pad cantilevered to jut out into the verdant landscape, into a bright family home. —Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps from cant entry 4 + -i- + lever

First Known Use

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1865, 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