balance beam
Americannoun
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balance beams
plural
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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.
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a competitive gymnastic event for women in which such an apparatus is used.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of balance beam
First recorded in 1945–50
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.
One skipped along the balance beam like Simone Biles.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
Sullivan competed in all events for the first time this season and scored a 9.775 on the balance beam.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 28, 2026
Oklahoma scored a 49.615 on balance beam, an event in which it is ranked No. 1 nationally.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 19, 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
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
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