Illustration of pilaster
- 1 pilaster
pilaster
noun
pi·las·ter
pi-ˈla-stər 
ˈpī-ˌla-
ˈpī-ˌla-
: an upright architectural member that is rectangular in plan and is structurally a pier but architecturally treated as a column and that usually projects a third of its width or less from the wall
Examples of pilaster in a Sentence
the rectangular pilasters spaced along the building's facade lend an air of classical grandeur
Recent Examples on the Web
In the end, Laffrey, whose Broadway credits include Maybe Happy Ending and Parade, settled for using an iPhone app to record the size of pilasters and mullioned mirrors.
—
Carey Purcell, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2025
With pilasters, a limestone facade, and classic symmetrical design, the three-story building exemplifies the Beaux-Arts style popular at the turn of the 20th century, grand but not ostentatious.
—Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
But entering via the Park Avenue lobby, with its walls and pilasters of Rockwood stone, still feels like a moment.
—Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
The original door frames with fluted pilasters and elaborate casings were stripped down and restored throughout the 42-foot-long space.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 June 2025
The front door, defined by wide pilasters and sidelights topped by a crosshead with transom windows beckons visitors to step into an impressive and welcoming entry hall.
—James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
What to look for: Large porch and classical corner pilasters.
—Arkansas Online, 2 May 2025
Though more stately in its setting of classical pilasters and marble floors, the lobby El Bar del Majestic is pretty hopping too with live piano music.
—John Oseid, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
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Carey Purcell, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2025
With pilasters, a limestone facade, and classic symmetrical design, the three-story building exemplifies the Beaux-Arts style popular at the turn of the 20th century, grand but not ostentatious.
—Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
But entering via the Park Avenue lobby, with its walls and pilasters of Rockwood stone, still feels like a moment.
—Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
The original door frames with fluted pilasters and elaborate casings were stripped down and restored throughout the 42-foot-long space.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 June 2025
The front door, defined by wide pilasters and sidelights topped by a crosshead with transom windows beckons visitors to step into an impressive and welcoming entry hall.
—James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
What to look for: Large porch and classical corner pilasters.
—Arkansas Online, 2 May 2025
Though more stately in its setting of classical pilasters and marble floors, the lobby El Bar del Majestic is pretty hopping too with live piano music.
—John Oseid, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Pilaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pilaster. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pilaster
noun
pi·las·ter
ˈpī-ˌlas-tər
: an upright rectangular column that ornaments or helps to support a wall from which it sticks out slightly
Medical Definition
pilaster
noun
pi·las·ter
pi-ˈlas-tər
: an elongated hardened ridge
especially
: a longitudinal bony ridge on the back of the femur
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