Illustration of overhang
- 1 overhang 3
over·hang
ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ 
ˌō-vər-ˈhaŋ
overhung
ˈō-vər-ˌhəŋ
ˌō-vər-ˈhəŋ
; overhanging
ˌō-vər-ˈhəŋ
; overhanging
: to project so as to be over something
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
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
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
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
In these spaces, ticks often wait on the tips of grass blades, plant stems, and tree branches with their front legs ready to grasp onto any host that happens to brush by or walk under overhanging foliage.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 10 June 2026
To avoid these issues, prune overgrown plants and trees regularly and pay particular attention to plants that have grown into walkways or that overhang areas where children and pets are active.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhang
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Verb
Cut down any overhanging branches, especially near windows.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
In these spaces, ticks often wait on the tips of grass blades, plant stems, and tree branches with their front legs ready to grasp onto any host that happens to brush by or walk under overhanging foliage.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
Noun
One horizontal line on the hull stood out, but otherwise all the dimensions were within tolerances for the benchmark, and the overall finish with the overhangs was acceptable for an entry-level printer.
—Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 10 June 2026
To avoid these issues, prune overgrown plants and trees regularly and pay particular attention to plants that have grown into walkways or that overhang areas where children and pets are active.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overhang
Cite this Entry
“Overhang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhang. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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