noun
counterweight
Counterweight (noun) means a heavy weight, often metal or concrete, linked to a load so that raising and lowering it takes less effort, as in a lift or a bridge that swings open.
noun
1
A heavy weight, often metal or concrete, linked to a load so that raising and lowering it takes less effort, as in a lift or a bridge that swings open.
"Four 110-ton counterweights, one in each tower, make this feat possible by reducing the effective weight to be lifted to some 25 tons; but an additional 20 tons (a very heavy snow load) can be lifted if necessary."
— , Talking of Trains: The new Kingsferry Bridge (1960)
"Like other supertall towers, 432 Park relies on the counterweight system to address the forces of wind and reduce the feeling of swaying for residents."
— , A Tower on Billionaires’ Row Is Full of Cracks. Who’s to Blame? (2025)
2
Something that balances or offsets another weight or force.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like counterweight.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for counterweight
See all rhymes for counterweight →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of counterweight?
"counterweight" (noun) means a heavy weight, often metal or concrete, linked to a load so that raising and lowering it takes less effort, as in a lift or a bridge that swings open.
What is another word for counterweight?
Other words for "counterweight" include counterpoise, equaliser, balance, counterbalance, equalizer.
What are the different meanings of counterweight?
"counterweight" has 2 main meanings: 1. A heavy weight, often metal or concrete, linked to a load so that raising and lowering it takes less effort, as in a lift or a bridge that swings open; 2. Something that balances or offsets another weight or force.
