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

Photo: Herman van Heusden for The Wall Street Journal In Holland, Belle Époque suburban mansions could looked like large versions of alpine farmhouses, with overhanging roofs and ornamental wooden trusses. — J.s. Marcus, WSJ, "Building an Alpine Chalet for the Low-Lying Netherlands," 30 Oct. 2018 At 2,873 square feet, the home boasts many of the trademark features of a midcentury home, including long horizontal lines and flat panes, large windows, and overhanging eaves. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Quirky midcentury modern with koi pond wants $624K," 15 Nov. 2018 Arrange the rhubarb side by side on top of the frangipane, trimming off any bits that overhang the uncovered dough. — Michaela Bechler, Vogue, "Be Ambitious This Thanksgiving: 3 Bold Recipes From One of L.A.’s Most Talked About Restaurants," 2 Nov. 2018 The home is full of horizontal lines, and the low pitched roof, overhanging eaves, and open floor plan all point to Wright’s extensive influence. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Stunning midcentury home by a Wright apprentice asks $1.8M," 18 Oct. 2018 If a fire is built below trees, the overhanging branches must be at least 25 feet above it. — Christine Clarridge, The Seattle Times, "King County orders burn ban, joining others around Washington amid heat wave," 13 July 2018 After the overhanging offwidth to chimney, the climbing was straightforward, if strenuous. — Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, "The Story of the First Ascent," 9 July 2018 Shallow steps that ring the house allow access to the different spaces, and the home’s sleek finish is topped off with overhanging concrete slabs that lend the residence a further sense of privacy. — Alex Bazeley, Curbed, "Cool concrete summer home sits among a sea of trees," 3 July 2018 The tree overhung a creek in a swimming area near Alligator Springs. — Monique Valdes, ajc, "Florida teen trapped in tree after being chased by gator, deputies say," 3 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

When ready to serve, use the parchment overhangs to lift and transfer the s'more to a cutting board. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Frozen S'mores," 14 Mar. 2019 Use overhangs to transfer to a cutting board and cut into 9 bars. — Anna Helm Baxter, Country Living, "Cranberry Crumb Bars," 30 Oct. 2018 The exterior has also been updated, but the bones remain the same, including the deep, slanted eaves that create a shaded overhang around the porch and garage. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Midcentury home with mountain views asks $910K," 25 July 2018 Line a medium bowl (6-cup capacity) with plastic wrap, pressing into bottom and up sides and leaving plenty of overhang. — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit, "Blackberry Icebox Cake," 18 June 2018 Lead routes, which use angles and overhangs to test technical ability, ascend to the structure’s high point. — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "The Biggest Ice-Climbing Wall in American History," 23 Feb. 2019 The resulting cross shape created overhangs in the front and back that provide shelter from rain and snow. — Erin Geiger Smith, House Beautiful, "Apartment Therapy's Maxwell Ryan's Home Is An Awesome Mix Of Scandinavian And Barnhouse Chic," 9 Jan. 2019 Tuck overhang under and crimp edges with your fingers or a fork. — Jade Zimmerman, Country Living, "Pretzel-Chocolate-Pecan Slab Pie," 1 Nov. 2018 Trim any excess dough, leaving 1/2-inch overhang if possible. — Heather Finn, Good Housekeeping, "How to Make a Crowd-Pleasing Pumpkin Slab Pie," 19 Oct. 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.