banister

American  

[ban-uh-ster] / ˈbæn ə stər /

Also bannister

noun

1. a baluster.

2. Sometimes banisters. the balustrade of a staircase.

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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

She can now ride her bike again and walk up stairs "without hanging on to the banister".

From BBC

Chu: Ari really owned the space — every time she moved, she knew what her intention was, she lived in that physicality, jumping on the banister and kicking up her leg.

From Los Angeles Times

The inquest also heard two statements from firefighters Leighton Brown and Gareth Davies who said the stairs banister, ceiling and the whole of the landing was “covered in smoke and fire” on their arrival.

From BBC

Fire escapes look corroded and other metal fixtures such as banisters have been coated to look old or rusty, while walls appear water-stained.

From Los Angeles Times

A 1960s life-size mirrored figure by the Italian artist Claudio Platania and the French fashion designer Pierre Cardin stood on one of the home’s landings, reflecting the angular carvings of the original pine banisters.

From New York Times