balance beam

noun

1
: a narrow wooden beam supported in a horizontal position approximately four feet above the floor and used for balancing feats in gymnastics
2
: an event in gymnastics competition in which the balance beam is used

Examples of balance beam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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As a result, blue state leaders in California and elsewhere have been walking a balance beam between supporting the right to protest and condemning any violence, while also navigating debate on issues that have long been weak points for the party. Julia Mueller, The Hill, 15 June 2025 One of them is a nerve-racking, crosscutting game of misdirection and accumulating danger atop a balance beam. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 19 May 2025 Dreier put up career high scores on the uneven bars (8.35), balance beam (8.5) and floor exercise (8.5). Todd Abeln, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 The reason for the increase in the Tigers’ team score came after a review of Mizzou’s third rotation — balance beam. Henry Chappell, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for balance beam

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of balance beam was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Balance beam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balance%20beam. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

balance beam

noun
: a narrow wooden beam supported in a horizontal position above the floor and used for balancing feats in gymnastics

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