baluster

noun

bal·​us·​ter ˈba-lə-stər 

1

: an object or vertical member (such as the leg of a table, a round in a chair back, or the stem of a glass) having a vaselike or turned outline

2

: an upright often vase-shaped support for a rail

Examples of baluster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In this foyer, everything from the walls to the millwork to the doors and the balusters are saturated in White Dove. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 July 2026

And let’s not get started on neighborhood historic preservation gatekeepers where, say, using the wrong balusters on your porch can set off World War III with your neighbors. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026

Ornate or Old-Fashioned Railings and Trim The color, style, and design of railings, trim, porch columns, and even balusters can have a heavy impact on the appearance of the home. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 13 Mar. 2026

Ornate, heavy staircase details and overly trendy balusters feel dated. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French balustre, from Italian balaustro, from balaustra wild pomegranate flower, from Latin balaustium, from Greek balaustion; from its shape

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for baluster

• adjuster
• blockbuster
• combustor
• lackluster
• bluster
• buster
• cluster
• duster
• juster
• luster
• lustre
• maister

Kids Definition

baluster

noun

bal·​us·​ter ˈbal-ə-stər 

: a short post that supports a rail (as of a staircase)