cantilever

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of cantilevernext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Officials are expected to announce Monday that the city will rebuild the infamous triple cantilever structure carrying the highway along Brooklyn Heights without going through a federal environmental review or seeking federal funding. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 Improvements would include repairing the aging triple cantilever and fixing drainage, railings and lighting. Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
The nature of the structure — with roadways cantilevered out under the Brooklyn Heights Promenade — precludes replacing one lane at a time, city officials told reporters last week. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 The bottom of the addition was cantilevered over an original building setback. Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cantilever

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps from cant entry 4 + -i- + lever

First Known Use

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1865, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cantilever was in 1667

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Cite this Entry

“Cantilever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantilever. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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

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