cantilever
Americannoun
-
any rigid structural member projecting from a vertical support, especially one in which the projection is great in relation to the depth, so that the upper part is in tension and the lower part in compression.
-
Building Trades, Civil Engineering. any rigid construction extending horizontally well beyond its vertical support, used as a structural element of a bridge cantilever bridge, building foundation, etc.
-
Aeronautics. a form of wing construction in which no external bracing is used.
-
Architecture. a bracket for supporting a balcony, cornice, etc.
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
-
-
a beam, girder, or structural framework that is fixed at one end and is free at the other
-
( as modifier )
a cantilever wing
-
-
a wing or tailplane of an aircraft that has no external bracing or support
-
a part of a beam or a structure projecting outwards beyond its support
verb
-
(tr) to construct (a building member, beam, etc) so that it is fixed at one end only
-
(intr) to project like a cantilever
Etymology
Origin of cantilever
Explanation
A cantilever is a girder or beam that supports a bridge or another large structure. Cantilevers are attached only at one end, like a rigid diving board. Structures that stick out sideways from a vertical support are cantilevers (hold your arm straight out from your body and it becomes a kind of cantilever). Engineers construct bridges using cantilevers, balancing them with counterweights or reinforcing them with girders and trusses. Cantilever bridges were originally called cantlapper bridges—from cant, or "slope," eventually combined with lever, from the Latin levare, "to raise."
Vocabulary lists containing cantilever
Built To Last: Architectural Parlance
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Structural Engineering
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Civil Engineering
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Giant cantilever cranes date from the beginning of the 20th Century, when Scotland led the world in shipbuilding and engineering.
From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026
When the cantilever is placed on one of the nanoparticles, a current is passed through its tip to measure the conductivity.
From Science Daily • Jan. 12, 2024
Columns sway back and forth, like a cantilever swing, creating ample space for large groups to walk through.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 18, 2023
“I would have to push up on my arm, straighten my knees and then cantilever up,” he continued.
From New York Times • Oct. 30, 2022
At first it was used without the vertical, but the cantilever action of the unsupported ends caused cracks.
From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
