cantilever

1 of 2

noun

can·​ti·​le·​ver ˈkan-tə-ˌlē-vər 

-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

It's reached by car and ferry, and cantilevers slightly over a hill on a sprawling rural site. —Adam Williams, New Atlas, 21 Mar. 2025

The interior was a mess of wires, rods, and what looked like cantilevers. —IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2012

Verb

Photo: Alamy The new JPMorgan Chase tower rising in midtown looks designed for the Harkonnen — dark, shiny, cantilevered to loom over the populace, and shiny. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 24 Jan. 2025

Elsewhere in the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda’s Bitter End Yacht Club is expanding its intimate collection of accommodations, with the recent addition of four beach bungalows and six new lofts that are cantilevered over the water; a luxury spa and pool are in the works. —Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 23 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing cantilever

• cantilever bridge

Rhymes for cantilever

• howsoever
• whatsoever
• whensoever
• wheresoever
• whomsoever
• whosoever
• bever
• clever
• ever
• haver
• lever
• never

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