overhang

1 of 2

verb

over·​hang ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ How to pronounce overhang (audio)
ˌō-vər-ˈhaŋ
overhung ˈō-vər-ˌhəŋ How to pronounce overhang (audio) ˌō-vər-ˈhəŋ How to pronounce overhang (audio) ; 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 How to pronounce overhang (audio)
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

Illustration of overhang
  • 1 overhang 3

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Using the overhanging foil as handles, lift the bar to a cutting board. Lyndsay C. Green, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024 However, the trek has features such as natural waterslides, overhanging rocks, boulder fields, cascades, and pools for swimming. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 24 July 2024
Noun
Demographic changes are also an overhang, with people having fewer children, especially in wealthier countries. Brett Owens, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 In the winter months, the sun follows a lower path, allowing rays of sunlight to slip under the overhang and warm the home, Safi explained. Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overhang 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of overhang was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near overhang

Cite this Entry

“Overhang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhang. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

overhang

1 of 2 verb
over·​hang ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ How to pronounce overhang (audio)
ˌō-vər-ˈhaŋ
overhung -ˌhəŋ How to pronounce overhang (audio)
-ˈhəŋ
; overhanging
1
: to stick out or hang over
2

overhang

2 of 2 noun
over·​hang ˈō-vər-haŋ How to pronounce overhang (audio)
: a part that overhangs
the overhang of a roof

Medical Definition

overhang

noun
over·​hang ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ How to pronounce overhang (audio)
: a portion of a filling that extends beyond the normal contour of a tooth

More from Merriam-Webster on overhang

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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