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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of railing

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Designed with a curved railing that spins at the touch of a button, the closet became one of the most recognizable features in the teen’s room throughout the show.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Sedlander said the agents backed Olivar up against the wood railing that separates the public area from where the parties sit.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Since then, she has faced down hardliners who have spent decades railing against the United States to embark on a series of US-backed reforms.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Moments before the fatal shot, King was leaning over a railing in playful conversation with Jackson, who was standing in the parking lot below.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Penelope hung on to the railing with one hand and wedged her feet on either side of the split.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood