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

The velvety silhouette feels as distant as the sea, whose dark surface is sliced by the banister.

From The Wall Street Journal

The wood was peeling in some places, but a string of flamingo-shaped lights was wrapped around the banister, illuminating the hall in a faint pink shine.

From Literature

While the boy went up and down the empty hallways, cleaning banisters with bleach water, Etta came by the kitchen to report that Arnold Myerson had gotten sick, resetting the quarantine clock.

From Literature

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