stanchion

noun

stan·​chion ˈstan-chən 

1

: an upright bar, post, or support (as for a roof or a ship's deck)

2

: a device that fits loosely around the neck of an animal (such as a cow) and limits forward and backward motion (as in a stall)

stanchioned

ˈstan-chənd 

adjective

Synonyms of stanchion

• pilaster
• pillar
• column
• pier

Examples of stanchion in a Sentence

the stanchion of an arch

Recent Examples on the Web

Armando Escobedo, an electrician for the city, was on his knees, digging through loose wiring next to a massive light stanchion overseeing the field. —Sam Blum, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

Instead, the plane hit a light stanchion, sheared off the tops of some trees and burst into flames well short of the runway. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2026

The owner of Pimento Jamaican Kitchen brought stanchions from his rum bar to the street to keep protesters separated from officers, working as a volunteer to ensure the demonstration remains peaceful. —Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026

Gate areas will feature digital screens and streamlined lanes, eliminating numbered stanchions (silver columns). —Sam Stevenson, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English stanchon, from Anglo-French *stanchun, stançun, alteration of Old French estançon, diminutive of estance stay, prop

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stanchion

noun

stan·​chion ˈstan-chən 

1

: an upright bar, post, or support

2

: a device that fits loosely around an animal's neck and limits forward and backward motion (as in a stall)