balance beam

American  

noun

• balance beams
  plural

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.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• balance beams
  plural

---

Etymology

Origin of balance beam

First recorded in 1945–50

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

balance beam

One skipped along the balance beam like Simone Biles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

During the first three years of her college career, Alipio was known as a balance beam expert.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 5, 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

I ended up taking first on vault and balance beam in my junior session, and third all-around, with a final score of 53.650.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---