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

Explanation

A balustrade is a row of spindles that support a railing. You're especially likely to notice balustrades on balconies or bridges. A small wooden or stone pillar or column is a baluster, like the balusters that support a stairway railing. A whole row of balusters lined up together comprise a balustrade. Balustrade is a French word that's rooted in the Italian balausta, "flower of the wild pomegranate," which has a double-curved stem shaped like a baluster.

Example Sentences

Lord Janvrin thought she would have approved of the proposed new bridge across the pond, with a reinforced glass balustrade, echoing the tiara worn on her wedding day in 1947.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2025

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

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

A prosperous Winthrop Wadsworth would add an ornamented bow window, floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound porch and balustrade.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 5, 2019

When he leaned over the balustrade to take another look at the fountain in the courtyard, his guide turned around impatiently.

From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke