balustrade

noun

bal·​us·​trade ˈba-lə-ˌstrād 

1

: a row of balusters topped by a rail

2

: a low parapet or barrier

balustraded

ˈba-lə-ˌstrā-dəd 

adjective

Synonyms

• railing
• rail

Examples of balustrade in a Sentence

an ornately carved balustrade for the staircase

Recent Examples on the Web

And the staircase, with its intricate carvings of flowers, gargoyles, and swans all across the balustrade, took my breath away. —Jalyn Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2025

Seven levels of the gallery rise around a central staircase of frosted glass and ornate brass balustrades that seem to float upward, and a glass modern elevator that blends modern with classical chic. —Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

To the aft, an open balcony with a glass balustrade overlooks the ginormous main deck. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2025

The winning design for a new memorial in St. James Park near Buckingham Palace, honoring Queen Elizabeth II, will feature a bridge with a jewel-like, translucent balustrade reminiscent of her wedding tiara. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian balaustrata, from balaustro

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for balustrade

• accolade
• ambuscade
• antegrade
• barricade
• cannonade
• cavalcade
• centigrade
• chambermaid
• colonnade
• countertrade
• disobeyed
• escapade

Kids Definition

balustrade

noun

bal·​us·​trade ˈbal-ə-ˌstrād 

: a row of balusters topped by a rail

also : a low wall or barrier