Word
overhang
Phoneticsover·hang
/ˈoʊvɝˌhæŋ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a part of a building that sticks out over the ground or another part of the structure. It can also mean a situation where there is more of something than you need, like too much debt.
n. a projecting part of a building or structure; in a financial context, an excess of a particular asset or liability that remains after a period of time. Often used to describe the structural projection of a roof or the residual debt following a loan period.
Examples
“The roof has a wide overhang to protect the front door from rain.”
“The architect designed a deep overhang to provide shade for the windows during the hottest part of the day.”
“While the physical overhang of the eaves provided necessary protection from the elements, the financial overhang of the previous decade's deficits continued to stifle the government's ability to invest in new infrastructure.”
Examples
simple
“The roof has a wide overhang to protect the front door from rain.”
contextual
“The architect designed a deep overhang to provide shade for the windows during the hottest part of the day.”
complex
“While the physical overhang of the eaves provided necessary protection from the elements, the financial overhang of the previous decade's deficits continued to stifle the government's ability to invest in new infrastructure.”
Real-World Examples
“The site, called Hora 1, is underneath a natural boulder overhang large enough to shelter 30 people.” “This was all doable without creating any overhangs, so the whole thing still prints without needing supports.” Etymology
From Old English oferhangan, corresponding to over- + hang.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/overhang