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
Verb
Trim tree limbs within 10 feet of chimneys or overhanging roofs. Jeastman, oregonlive, 11 Sep. 2023 Bound by a long corridor, seven classrooms and a room reserved for the school nurse overhang the subway tracks. Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Sep. 2023 Beloved by Kentuckians, this breathtaking area is known for its overhanging cliffs that draw rock climbers from around the world. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2023 The first has a lot of clutter and repeated texture (trees and branches); the second has thin lines (poles with overhanging wires); and the last has large textureless surfaces indoors. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Oct. 2019 The most remarkable yaksha here is a magnificent, free-standing sculpture, his corpulent belly overhanging his knotted waist sash. Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2023 Suddenly, the camera zooms in tight on the the sharp beak of a snapping turtle concealed beneath an overhanging rock. Travis Hall, Field & Stream, 12 July 2023 The affected section partially overhangs the lower deck at the bearing's location. Caleb Wiegandt, The Courier-Journal, 3 Aug. 2023 With its overhanging roofs, colored beams, and bas-reliefs, the Basco Landais–style residence marries the casual vibe of a vacation home (one with a pool, a pétanque court, and a private cinema) and the service of a top hotel. Sara Lieberman, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2023
Noun
The proportions are kind of funky, as the 4’s roofline really is unlike any other car on sale, but short overhangs, wide fenders, and crisp surfacing give the 4 a really nice stance. Daniel Golson, The Verge, 14 Nov. 2023 The overhang is now only 6.8% above normal and may be reduced further if analysts forecasts for another below-normal injection in this coming Thursday’s EIA storage data prove correct. WSJ, 18 Sep. 2023 In May, a 28-year-old University of Kansas student from Saudi Arabia drowned in Glacier National Park’s Avalanche Creek after falling from a rocky overhang, according to park officials. Ashley R. Williams, CNN, 3 Sep. 2023 However, the electric models have shorter front and rear overhangs and a longer wheelbase. Car and Driver, 25 July 2023 Line bottom and sides of pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2- to 3-inch overhang on 2 sides. Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2023 Line each of the 4 muffin wells with plastic wrap, pressing into bottom and sides of well and leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 28 Oct. 2023 Today’s overhang of excess commercial space was years in the making. John Rennie Short, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2023 Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and line with parchment, leaving a 1-inch overhang on long sides. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 10 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overhang.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Nov. 2023.

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

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