overhang

1 of 2

verb

over·​hang ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ 

ˌō-vər-ˈhaŋ

overhung 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

overhang

2 of 2

noun

over·​hang ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ 

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

• 1 overhang 3

Synonyms of overhang

Verb

• protrude
• bulge
• poke

Noun

• projection
• protrusion
• bulge
• dome
• section
• convexity
• swell
• protuberance
• portion
• piece

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

According to the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office, picking fruit off an overhanging branch can result in a $200 civil citation or even criminal charges. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Although some mushrooms tolerate sun, mushrooms are more likely to sprout in shady spots with lots of overhanging trees and brush. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 16 June 2026

Noun

Hong Kong is enjoying a listings revival, the CSRC's blessing removes the regulatory overhang that killed London, and the exchange's investor base needs no tutorial on Chinese supply chains. — Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Lightly coat a 13- x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray; line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on long sides; set aside. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 26 July 2026

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

Rhymes for overhang

• boomerang
• bang
• chuang
• clang
• dang
• drang
• fang
• gang
• gangue
• hang
• hange
• kang

Kids Definition

overhang

1 of 2 verb

over·​hang ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ 

ˌō-vər-ˈhaŋ

overhung -ˌhəŋ 

-ˈhəŋ

; overhanging

1

: to stick out or hang over

2

: threaten sense 3

overhang

2 of 2 noun

over·​hang ˈō-vər-haŋ 

: a part that overhangs

the overhang of a roof

Medical Definition

overhang

noun

over·​hang ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ 

: a portion of a filling that extends beyond the normal contour of a tooth