railing

American  

[rey-ling] / ˈreɪ lɪŋ /

noun

1. a fencelike barrier composed of one or more horizontal rails supported by widely spaced uprights; balustrade.

2. banister.

3. rails collectively.

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railing British  

/ ˈreɪlɪŋ /

noun

1. (often plural) a fence, balustrade, or barrier that consists of rails supported by posts

2. rails collectively or material for making rails

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Etymology

Origin of railing

First recorded in 1350–1400; rail ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

When I lean over the bed railing to give Tūtū a hug, I press my ear to her chest.

From Literature

The wood stairs are damp and rickety, but Babs plummets down them, hanging on to the railing, occasionally calling for me to hurry.

From Literature

Coal felt the familiar grain of the wooden railing beneath his palm.

From Literature

Marcus tried again, but the railing was just out of his reach.

From Literature

Molly huffed as Boaz grasped at the railing, trying to regain his balance.

From Literature

Related Words

• barrier
• fence
• pole
• rail
• rails
• siding