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

Jordis Eichman has made the most of her limited opportunities, averaging 9.805 on the balance beam and 9.750 on vault.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

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

The team’s dismounts were nearly perfect against Nebraska, especially on the balance beam.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

Former Pac-12 rivals Utah battled rare-shaky performances on balance beam — including a fall from All-American Grace McCallum — while Missouri never threatened second place, only recording five 9.9 or higher scores during the meet.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2025

The only bonding our coaches intended on us doing was with the vault table, the uneven bars, the balance beam, and the training floor.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles