balance beam

American  

noun

1. a narrow wooden rail about 16 feet (5 meters) long and 4 inches (10 centimeters) wide, set horizontally on upright posts about 4 feet (1.2 meters) from the floor, used for performing feats of balancing and demonstrating gymnastic ability.

2. a competitive gymnastic event for women in which such an apparatus is used.

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Etymology

Origin of balance beam

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

After sustaining a foot injury on her balance beam routine during a quad meet on Feb. 27 against Maryland, Ohio State and Iowa, Katelyn Rosen was sidelined for the rest of the competition.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

During the third rotation, the Bruins moved to the balance beam, an event they struggled with during their third place finish in Utah last week.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

Malabuyo represented the Philippines at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is ranked third in the nation on balance beam with a 9.925 average score across the first four meets.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2025

During the rotation, Campbell paced near the balance beam, receiving pep talks from assistant coach Lacy Dagen as she awaited Rosen’s score.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2025

“He’s always hungry,” Lark says, walking a fallen log like a balance beam.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers