balustrade

American  

[bal-uh-streyd, bal-uh-streyd] / ˈbæl əˌstreɪd, ˌbæl əˈstreɪd /

noun

Architecture.

1. a railing with supporting balusters.

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balustrade British  

/ ˈbæləˌstreɪd /

noun

1. an ornamental rail or coping with its supporting set of balusters

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Other Word Forms

• balustraded adjective

Etymology

Origin of balustrade

1635–45; < French balustre baluster + -ade -ade ¹; compare Spanish balaustrada, Italian balaustrata

Example Sentences

A plush, red velvet fauteuil tucked into the lower right corner of the picture is like an upscale launching pad, which has propelled the man to the balustrade along a tall French window.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2025

"During the refit the historic atrium balustrade will be removed and restored off site and reinforced with metal to meet current standards."

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2023

The cabanas are now gone, and regulars may notice that, inside, the few steps leading to the dining room and the balustrade around it are, too.

From New York Times • Oct. 5, 2021

In one of the least weed-infested areas, a large formal pond — the Lower Pool — is framed by a high stone wall, with arched grottoes and capped with a balustrade.

From Washington Post • Aug. 17, 2021

Brinker got an armchair from behind the balustrade, and seated Finny on it with courtly politeness.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles