railing

noun

rail·​ing ˈrā-liŋ 

1

: a barrier consisting of a rail and supports

2

: rails

also : material for making rails

Synonyms of railing

• rail

Examples of railing in a Sentence

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

This 1889 Second Empire–style Victorian in the Gold Coast has a spacious roof terrace with a wrought-iron decorative railing, space for alfresco dining and lounging, and lake views. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 22 June 2026

Rushing’s eyes traveled along the railing, noting his teammates all on the top step, all relying on him. —Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026

The Huntington is back and truly better than ever with plenty of the early-day residential touches intact, including the lovely wrought iron railings on the staircases and mail slots in the hallways. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026

People stood shoulder to shoulder and even lined the railings of a nearby parking garage overlooking the square. —Jason Green, Mercury News, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for railing

• ailing
• bailing
• baling
• failing
• flailing
• grayling
• hailing
• jailing
• mailing
• nailing
• paling
• sailing

Kids Definition

railing

noun

rail·​ing ˈrā-liŋ 

1

: a barrier (as a fence) consisting of rails and their supports

2

: material for rails