overhang

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

Synonyms of overhang

• protrude
• bulge
• poke

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 on the Web

Build a snake-proof fence, clear debris, and trim overhanging branches to keep snakes out of your garden. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026

Peace lily or Spathiphyllum, with white spadix and white spathe, is suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing, at least where it is protected from frost by overhanging trees and situated against a wall. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 May 2026

Clean gutters and downspouts and trim back any tree limbs overhanging the structure. —David Nye, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026

Also maintained is the overhanging flat roof supported by thin gold metallic columns. —Miami Herald, 19 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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