banister

noun

ban·​is·​ter ˈba-nə-stər How to pronounce banister (audio)
variants or less commonly bannister
1
a
: a handrail with its supporting posts
b
2
banistered adjective

Examples of banister in a Sentence

The children love to slide down the banister. She held the banister tightly.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The original Duluth Central High School, which closed in 1970 due to age and safety conditions, was known for its clock tower, sweeping stairways, chandeliers and iron banisters. Mars King, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2025 Stairs with an original wood banister rise to the second level, and adjacent to the foyer is a parlor. Angela Serratore, New York Times, 14 May 2025 The house has its original hardwood floors, and stairs with the original wood banister run up to the second floor. Angela Serratore, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Almost 14,000 square feet of living space is accented throughout with antiques from the collection of newspaper publisher and Crosby friend William Randolph Hearst, including a 17th-century wood staircase banister, linen fold paneling, and custom furnishings. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for banister

Word History

Etymology

alteration of baluster

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of banister was in 1641

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Banister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banister. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

banister

noun
ban·​is·​ter
variants also bannister
ˈban-ə-stər
1
: one of the slender posts used to support the handrail of a staircase
2
: a handrail with its supporting posts
3
: the handrail of a staircase

More from Merriam-Webster on banister

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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