balustrade

noun

bal·​us·​trade ˈba-lə-ˌstrād How to pronounce balustrade (audio)
1
: a row of balusters topped by a rail
2
: a low parapet or barrier
balustraded adjective

Examples of balustrade in a Sentence

an ornately carved balustrade for the staircase
Recent Examples on the Web Alba followed her through the slit sheet of plastic draped over the front door to keep the dust in, and on the landing leaned over the balustrade to watch her descent. Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 Some of the ornate architectural features — including a castle-like turret entryway, marble pillars and stone balustrades — may not suit everyone’s taste. Alicia Napierkowski, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2024 The staircase swings against textured walls, its balustrades carved to resemble flowers. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 15 June 2023 Maryan added to the river views by raising the floors, including full-length windows, and cutting into the balustrades, replacing brick with iron railings. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 27 Mar. 2023 Kaneko says that Panasonic is getting feedback from potential customers regarding the balustrade prototype panels, and requests to test different-sized panels. IEEE Spectrum, 10 Nov. 2023 The dining room’s mantel has mini, dollhouse-size loggias with two-inch-high balustrades. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 15 June 2023 The connection with outdoor living is just as clear on the upper deck, where high ceilings, transparent balustrades and full-height glass windows fill the lounge and dining area with light. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2023 Three stories above that was another balustrade fronting a row of elaborate, arched windows. Dallas News, 24 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'balustrade.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian balaustrata, from balaustro

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of balustrade was in 1644

Dictionary Entries Near balustrade

Cite this Entry

“Balustrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balustrade. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

balustrade

noun
bal·​us·​trade ˈbal-ə-ˌstrād How to pronounce balustrade (audio)
: a row of balusters topped by a rail
also : a low wall or barrier

More from Merriam-Webster on balustrade

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