overhang

verb

over·hang | \ ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ

, ˌō-vər-ˈhaŋ\

overhung\ ˈō-vər-ˌhəŋ

, ˌō-vər-ˈhəŋ \; overhanging

Definition of overhang

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to project over

2 : to impend over : threaten

intransitive verb

: to project so as to be over something

overhang

noun

over·hang | \ ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ

plural overhangs

Definition of overhang (Entry 2 of 2)

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

4a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about overhang

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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

On sunny days, motorists and cyclists can struggle to see the roadway and oncoming traffic because of overhanging trees that create deep shade alternating with bright sunlight. — Daniel Borenstein, The Mercury News, "Borenstein: Cyclist might be alive if California parks hadn’t ignored judge’s order," 30 Aug. 2019 Among the key questions: Will Trump achieve at least a truce in his conflict with China and diminish a threat overhanging the U.S. economy? — Washington Post, "With Trump trade war a threat, Fed is set to cut rates again," 16 Sep. 2019 The rails should be flush on the headboard end of the cases and overhang the side and footboard end of the cases by 1/2 inch. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "Your Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Platform Bed Frame," 30 Aug. 2019 The population spins their webs in branches overhanging bodies of water such as streams and rivers. — Morgan Hines, USA TODAY, "Hurricanes are making spiders more aggressive: It's rapid evolution at work, study says," 20 Aug. 2019 Long horizontal lines mark the exterior, and the home features overhanging roofs, multiple walkout patios, and an affinity for Usonian principles. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired midcentury asks $1M," 11 July 2019 Who wouldn’t want to get away to a quiet island, lounge in a hammock overhanging the ocean, and eat sushi? — Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, "Here's What It Costs To Honeymoon In The Maldives Like Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner," 15 July 2019 This is not a simple pruning job with a branch overhanging your roof. — Ronda Kaysen, New York Times, "My Neighbor’s Tree Roots Damaged My Driveway," 6 July 2019 For his home, Tan designed a large, overhanging roof and placed wind turbines on top to draw more hot air out, and cool air in. — John Defterios, CNN, "Malaysia is fighting the climate crisis with better buildings," 12 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The decks appeared to have been topped by a fourth-floor overhang, which looked to have remained intact. — Fox News, "At least 22 people injured after three-story deck collapse in New Jersey," 15 Sep. 2019 The acceleration in consumer spending also helped businesses to whittle down an inventory overhang, leading to a smaller inventory build. — NBC News, "Economic growth slows less than expected in second quarter," 26 July 2019 The exterior features a steep roof with side gables and a minor overhang, and often includes shutters, which serve as protection from the strong New England winds. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "What is a Cape Cod-Style House? Reasons to Love the Quintessential Look," 14 June 2019 Use natural features in the yard, like fences and roof overhangs, to protect fragile plants. — Jodi Torpey, The Denver Post, "How to prevent hail damage to gardens in Colorado," 11 June 2019 Line a 9- by 13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the 2 long sides. — Tara Bench, Country Living, "Marshmallow Ghost Brownies," 6 Sep. 2019 Using 18-inch-wide heavy-duty foil, make a sling in a large roasting pan: Leaving generous overhang on either side, gently press one sheet of foil into the pan lengthwise. — Christopher Kimball, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipes: Four perfect tacos featuring fish, turkey, or mojo pork," 4 Sep. 2019 Typical Eichler features include flat or low-sloped gable roofs with deep overhangs over exposed beams, open floor plans with atriums or courtyards, and floor-to-ceiling windows. — Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, "Willow Glen Eichler owners celebrate their place in national history," 11 Aug. 2019 Cover all the food with a piece of wet burlap large enough to fully cover the food with some overhang, and tuck the sides in around the edges of the food inside the tub to ensure it's well covered. — CBS News, "The Dish: Luke Holden of Luke's Lobster shares his signature recipes," 6 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overhang.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.