banister

American  

[ban-uh-ster] / ˈbæn ə stər /

Also bannister

noun

1. a baluster.

2. Sometimes banisters. the balustrade of a staircase.

---

Etymology

Origin of banister

First recorded in 1660–70; apparently by dissimilation from earlier barrister, alteration of baluster, perhaps by association with bar ¹

Compare meaning

How does banister compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• banister vs. baluster

Example Sentences

He stumbled down the rickety front steps, catching his balance on the banister.

From Literature

I went up the stairs, trailing my hand on the banister.

From Literature

Along the banisters were motion-activated lights - one wrong step and they would flare on, announcing their presence.

From BBC

The velvety silhouette feels as distant as the sea, whose dark surface is sliced by the banister.

From The Wall Street Journal

The wood was peeling in some places, but a string of flamingo-shaped lights was wrapped around the banister, illuminating the hall in a faint pink shine.

From Literature