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 The staircase is a floating composition of wood treads, steel posts and glass banisters. Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 25 May 2026 Plan your visit to President Lincoln's Cottage At the cottage, visitors are invited to sit on 19th-century chairs and pull themselves up using the original wooden banister, unlike most historic homes. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 May 2026 Over the banister, moonlight spilled across the foyer and illuminated a gloved hand reaching through the jagged hole in the window beside the front door. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026 Its ascent is marked by an undulating golden mural, while a domed display cabinet built into the banister allows for a close encounter with Piaget creations. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for banister
Recent Examples of Synonyms for banister
Noun
  • In one shot of Kidman leaning against the railing of a boat, her curls took center stage, and in another photo, the Lioness actress posed in a blue bikini in a hot tub, her hair tied up in a top knot.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Paper wasps build nests under eaves, benches and fence railings and will sting if disturbed.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The office's own work plan called for reviewing the rail authority's change-order process by July 2026 — including a $500 million-plus construction change order settlement.
    Julie Watts, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • That could include autonomous vehicles for shuttling materials and parts between workstations or robotic arms moving on rails along the length of a production line.
    Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Banister.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/banister. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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