balance beam

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of balance beam¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The gymnastics will be at Crypto.com Arena, a place where Kobe once climbed on a scorer’s table as if it was a balance beam.

From Los Angeles Times

“Unfortunately i was selected for the olympics,” she wrote below a video of her balance beam fall on Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

Simone Biles' 'redemption tour' continued and the American superstar reminded fans she is not invincible during the women’s balance beam final.

From BBC

After falling off the beam during the event final Monday at Bercy Arena, Biles settled for fifth place on balance beam, ending her streak of consecutive Olympic medals in the event.

From Los Angeles Times

She competes for the last time of these Games on Monday in the balance beam and floor final.

From Los Angeles Times