cantilever

1 of 2

noun

can·​ti·​le·​ver ˈkan-tə-ˌlē-vər How to pronounce cantilever (audio)
-ˌle-
: a projecting beam or member supported at only one end: such as
a
: a bracket-shaped member supporting a balcony or a cornice
b
: either of the two beams or trusses that project from piers toward each other and that when joined directly or by a suspended connecting member form a span of a cantilever bridge

cantilever

2 of 2

verb

cantilevered; cantilevering; cantilevers

transitive verb

1
: to support by a cantilever
a cantilevered shelf
2
: to build as a cantilever

intransitive verb

: to project as a cantilever

Did you know?

Cantilevers hold up a surface or room without themselves being supported at their outer end. Many outdoor balconies are cantilevered, and theater balconies may be as well. A cantilevered bridge may have a huge span (as long as 1,800 feet) built out on either side of a single large foundation pier. Architects sometimes use cantilevered construction to produce dramatic effects; Frank Lloyd Wright's "Fallingwater" house, which extends out over a rocky river, is a famous example. But the Grand Canyon's "Skywalk" has become perhaps the best-known piece of cantilevered construction in America.

Examples of cantilever in a Sentence

Noun The porch is supported by steel cantilevers. Verb The balcony cantilevers over the terrace below.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Her impressive footwear collection includes the Loewe Terra penny loafer—complete with a cantilever heel—cherry red loafers from The Row, and even your dad’s favorite fisherman sandal (worn with socks, obviously). Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2024 The cartridge has a stiff and lightweight aluminum cantilever for accurate tracking, more detail and lower distortion, while a dual magnet generator produces better channel separation. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Verb
Just past the entry is the gender-inclusive restroom, its custom cast-concrete sink cantilevered into the room like sculpture. Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2024 The unique property is cantilevered about 100 feet in the air and faces west so people inside can experience the full desert sunset. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cantilever 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cantilever.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps from cant entry 4 + -i- + lever

First Known Use

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cantilever was in 1667

Dictionary Entries Near cantilever

Cite this Entry

“Cantilever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantilever. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

cantilever

noun
can·​ti·​le·​ver
ˈkant-ᵊl-ˌē-vər,
 also  -ev-ər
1
: a beam or support fastened at only one end
2
: either of two beams or structures that stick out from piers toward each other and when joined form a span in a bridge
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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