overhang

1 of 2

verb

over·​hang ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ 

ˌō-vər-ˈhaŋ

overhung ˈō-vər-ˌhəŋ  ˌō-vər-ˈhəŋ  ; overhanging

transitive verb

1

: to project over

2

: to impend over : threaten

intransitive verb

: to project so as to be over something

overhang

2 of 2

noun

over·​hang ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ 

plural overhangs

1

: something that overhangs

also : the extent of the overhanging

2

: the part of the bow or stern of a ship that projects over the water above the waterline

3

: a projection of the roof or upper story of a building beyond the wall of the lower part

4

a

: an excess of something that is left over and not easily disposed of

inventory overhang

Housing prices will not stabilize until the massive overhang of foreclosed homes is reduced.

—Robert Borosage

b

: an excess amount of a commodity or security the selling of which often drives down the value of that kind of commodity or security

share overhang

Illustration of overhang

• 1 overhang 3

Synonyms of overhang

Verb

• protrude
• bulge
• poke

Noun

• projection
• protrusion
• bulge
• dome
• section
• convexity
• swell
• protuberance
• portion
• piece

Examples of overhang in a Sentence

Verb

A cliff overhangs the trail.

The patio was overhung by a canopy.

The path was overhung with willow trees.

Noun

The overhang of the roof cast a shadow on the ground.

a recess in the face of the cliff that is hidden by the thick vines dangling from the jagged overhang above

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Choose a location for your fire pit that’s flat, clear from overhanging tree branches, and at least 10 feet from your home and any other structures. —Daniel Modlin, Architectural Digest, 5 Mar. 2026

The restaurant is named after the English word for bangla or a single-story home, coined during India’s colonial past to indicate a particular style of house that included spacious verandahs, overhanging roofs, and large gardens. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026

Noun

Putting it all together, Broadcom tackled the overhangs surrounding its stock head on, and the market is responding nicely in extending trading, with shares up about 5%. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026

While the Orca does have quite a large rear overhang, Reiter has extended the wheelbase. —C.c. Weiss march 05, New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for overhang

• boomerang
• bang
• chuang
• clang
• dang
• drang
• fang
• gang
• gangue
• hang
• hange
• kang

Kids Definition

overhang

1 of 2 verb

over·​hang ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ 

ˌō-vər-ˈhaŋ

overhung -ˌhəŋ 

-ˈhəŋ

; overhanging

1

: to stick out or hang over

2

: threaten sense 3

overhang

2 of 2 noun

over·​hang ˈō-vər-haŋ 

: a part that overhangs

the overhang of a roof

Medical Definition

overhang

noun

over·​hang ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ 

: a portion of a filling that extends beyond the normal contour of a tooth