banister

[ ban-uh-ster ]

/ ˈbæn ə stər /

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See synonyms for banister on Thesaurus.com

noun

a baluster.

Sometimes banisters. the balustrade of a staircase.

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Also ban·nis·ter .

Origin of banister

First recorded in 1660–70; apparently by dissimilation from earlier barrister, alteration of baluster, perhaps by association with bar¹

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH banister

baluster, balustrade, banister

Words nearby banister

bani, bania, banian, banish, banishment, banister, banister back, banisters, Banja Luka, Banjarmasin, Banjermasin

How to use banister in a sentence

I woke the next morning and saw an actual sunbeam gleaming brightly onto the wooden banister outside my window.
Outrunning Fires in North Cascades National Park|mturner|November 18, 2021|Outside Online
“I saw one man, he got tired, and he went over to the banister and he jumped off and killed himself,” she says.
The Haunted Symbol of New Orleans|Nicole LaPorte|August 28, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Fearing to lose his way, he bawls over the banister, and through the corridors, “Is any one there?”
Checkmate|Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
The hall was as black as a dungeon, but by groping around she found the banister rail, and so made her way upstairs.
Marjorie's Busy Days|Carolyn Wells

Nicole turned to see her father climbing up the stairs, pulling himself along on the banister and leaning on his walking stick.
Shaman|Robert Shea
With a startled cry he lunged forward, clutching at the banister to steady his blundering descent.
Ralestone Luck|Andre Norton
Convulsively grasping the banister with both hands, his broad shoulders formed a mighty buttress against the pressing flood.
The Man-Wolf and Other Tales|Emile Erckmann and Alexandre Chatrian