Illustration of overhang
- 1 overhang 3
over·hang
ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ 
ˌō-vər-ˈhaŋ
overhung
ˈō-vər-ˌhəŋ
ˌō-vər-ˈhəŋ
; overhanging
ˌō-vər-ˈhəŋ
; overhanging
: to project so as to be over something
over·hang
ˈō-vər-ˌhaŋ
plural overhangs
1
: something that overhangs
also
: the extent of the overhanging
2
: the part of the bow or stern of a ship that projects over the water above the waterline
3
: a projection of the roof or upper story of a building beyond the wall of the lower part
4
a
: an excess of something that is left over and not easily disposed of
inventory overhang
Housing prices will not stabilize until the massive overhang of foreclosed homes is reduced.—
Robert Borosage
Robert Borosage
b
: an excess amount of a commodity or security the selling of which often drives down the value of that kind of commodity or security
share overhang
Examples of overhang in a Sentence
Verb
A cliff overhangs the trail.
The patio was overhung by a canopy.
The path was overhung with willow trees.
Noun
The overhang of the roof cast a shadow on the ground.
a recess in the face of the cliff that is hidden by the thick vines dangling from the jagged overhang above
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Attach the netting to overhanging eaves and angle back to the area on the siding where the damage occurs, or drape it over stakes to keep them away from deck posts, says Mengak.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Using a paring knife, trim the edges all the way around to a 1-inch overhang.
—Ellen Gray, Saveur, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhang
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Verb
The architecture followed the neoclassical style with Italianate details, such as overhanging eaves, a flat roof and simple, geometric shapes.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Attach the netting to overhanging eaves and angle back to the area on the siding where the damage occurs, or drape it over stakes to keep them away from deck posts, says Mengak.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Noun
Several large rocks and boulders plunged from the overhang at the top of a popular Utah waterfall — and just barely missed a family swimming below, video shows.
—Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Using a paring knife, trim the edges all the way around to a 1-inch overhang.
—Ellen Gray, Saveur, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for overhang
Cite this Entry
“Overhang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overhang. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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