railing

noun

rail·​ing ˈrā-liŋ How to pronounce railing (audio)
1
: a barrier consisting of a rail and supports
2
: rails
also : material for making rails

Example Sentences

He leaned on the deck's railing and watched the sun set. they had to put a childproof railing on the balcony when the baby started walking
Recent Examples on the Web Keep in Mind: Your railing can only be up to 2 inches thick, which can be limiting in some homes. Rena Behar, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2023 In the artful pic, Berry is strategically covered up while basking in the sun outside her Malibu home, with one arm across her chest and the patio's iron railing and a plant obscuring her bottom half. Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Apr. 2023 March 31, 2023 A video showed the fan, dressed in A’s colors, approach the railing as Rendon turns toward him from the tunnel walkway below. Tim Booth, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Apr. 2023 Designer Amy Sklar keeps the banister, railing and stair risers white to create balance. Alyssa Gautieri, Good Housekeeping, 17 Feb. 2023 Academy leadership eventually opted to install wooden pieces along the railing to obscure the view from below. Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2022 There was kind of a small crowd gathered around underneath the balcony, and Dr. King was leaning on the railing. Mark Braboy, Harper's BAZAAR, 19 Apr. 2023 Inside, it’s loaded with original details—everything from the hardwood flooring to railings and beams is intact. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2023 The song’s video, shot at Simonon’s place on an iPhone, shows a veiled woman climbing stairs, her hand inching up the railing like a spider. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of railing was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near railing

Cite this Entry

“Railing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/railing. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

railing

noun
rail·​ing ˈrā-liŋ How to pronounce railing (audio)
1
: a barrier (as a fence) consisting of rails and their supports
2
: material for rails

More from Merriam-Webster on railing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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