overhang

verb over·hang \ ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ , ˌō-vər-ˈhaŋ \

Updated on: 17 May 2018

Definition of overhang

overhung play \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

See overhang defined for English-language learners

See overhang defined for kids

Examples of overhang in a Sentence

A cliff overhangs the trail.
The patio was overhung by a canopy.
The path was overhung with willow trees.

Recent Examples of overhang from the Web

Six Mile's turquoise waters wind between overhanging cliff walls and hammer down intimidating rapids.

— yoshina okamoto, Anchorage Daily News, "Want to get off the beaten path in Alaska? Get on the water instead," 2 May 2018
Cast hard enough, the jig will skip like a flat stone, skittering that last few feet under the overhang of the dock or overhanging brush or tree limbs to land with a very soft ripple in just the right spot.

— frank sargeant, AL.com, "Skipping jigs for hard-to-reach bass," 2 May 2018
Other than the threat posed to by North Korea's weapons of mass destruction, another issue overhanging the summit plans is the fate of three Americans detained there.

— matthew pennington, Fox News, "Trump says unless NKorea summit 'fruitful' he'll pull out," 20 Apr. 2018
Line bottom with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch overhanging at the short ends.

— amy dewall dadmun, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Light lamb stew tides us over until spring," 15 Mar. 2018
Clean gutters and downspouts, and cut tree limbs and shrubs that overhang the house.

— Philly.com, "The annual home pest invasion is coming; here are tips to do it yourself or hire an exterminator," 28 Mar. 2018
Some of the veggies may overhang the steak, and that’s OK.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Recipe: Tomato-braised Broccolini-stuffed Beef Rolls," 27 Mar. 2018
My tent was pitched on the edge of a cliff, directly overhanging the rapids.

— arthur hart, idahostatesman, "In search of Idaho customers, some photographers took their darkrooms on the road | Idaho Statesman," 23 Mar. 2018
Other studies suggest that about 5% of households still resort to woods or roadsides, or use toilets overhanging rivers.

— The Economist, "How Bangladesh vanquished diarrhoea," 22 Mar. 2018

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.

First Known Use of overhang

before 12th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

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overhang Synonyms

overhang

noun over·hang \ ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ \

Definition of overhang

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

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See overhang defined for English-language learners

Examples of overhang in a Sentence

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 of overhang from the Web

But just before the opening faceoff, lightning appeared on the horizon surrounding Ridley Athletic Complex and players and coaches were sent to the locker rooms while fans huddled under overhangs or in their cars.

— edward lee, baltimoresun.com, "Navigating weather delay was 'tricky' for Loyola Maryland, Virginia men’s lacrosse teams," 13 May 2018
Cast hard enough, the jig will skip like a flat stone, skittering that last few feet under the overhang of the dock or overhanging brush or tree limbs to land with a very soft ripple in just the right spot.

— frank sargeant, AL.com, "Skipping jigs for hard-to-reach bass," 2 May 2018
Deep roof overhangs offer shade as well as cover for a deck, and the roof itself is a garden.

— lauren ro, Curbed, "Incredible concrete-and-glass home with undulating walls is up for sale," 27 Apr. 2018
The debt overhang, combined with a slide in the dollar, has strategists warning that international appetite for Treasuries may wane.

— Bloomberg.com, "Mnuchin's Treasury Poised to Rev Up Supply as Budget Gap Widens," 26 Apr. 2018
But that would leave an overhang in the market, potentially affecting how it is priced, given the metal could quickly resurface if sanctions are lifted.

— david hodari, WSJ, "Wanted: New Home for a Lot of Russian Aluminum," 20 Apr. 2018
During the winter, the low arc of the sun helps heat the houses while generous roof overhangs shield these rooms in the summer.

— james alexander, courant.com, "Property of the Week: Flanders Woods," 5 Oct. 2017
Glass, wood, and limestone characterize the three-story residence, which features a simple silhouette of a gently sloping gabled roof with deep overhangs and a matching covered portico with fir screen walls marking the entrance.

— lauren ro, Curbed, "1960s home gets impressive revamp, asks $799K," 27 Apr. 2018
Sew along the perimeter, 1/2 inch from the edge, and carefully trim the overhang or pull loose threads to create fringe.

— martha stewart, star-telegram, "DIY projects: elegant table linens, instant art, winning storage solutions and more | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 27 Apr. 2018