variants also bannister
Definition of banisternext
as in railing
a protective barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and its supports a much-needed new banister for the rickety staircase

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of banister Shackles hang from the banisters so visitors to the church can picture how these people were chained together. Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Feb. 2026 Extendable or telescoping hoses are great for reaching high-up spots, like banisters and beams. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026 Here, staircases are lined with Red Alder banisters and paintings by Canadian artist Fred Peters. Jennie Nunn, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026 That religious practice would lead to the famous Shaker aesthetics, most notably seen in furniture, but also wooden boxes, staircases, banisters, and architecture. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for banister
Recent Examples of Synonyms for banister
Noun
  • The man, whose name has not been released, climbed over the balcony railing of his stateroom on the Carnival Liberty and jumped into the water, according to the cruise operator.
    Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • There is a short railing in the right-field stands above the bullpen, and the man fell at least 10 feet, if not more.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Six people were found dead in a cargo train boxcar near a Laredo, Texas, rail yard Sunday, officials said.
    Joe Kottke, NBC news, 11 May 2026
  • There’s a reason fans are already covering his statue outside Truist Park — frozen forever in his signature stance, left arm resting on the dugout rail, left leg bent in that familiar crouch — with flowers, handwritten notes and heartfelt tributes.
    Jesús Cano, New York Times, 10 May 2026

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“Banister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/banister. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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