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Definition of banister

banister

/ˈbæn.ɪ.stɚ/
(UK: bannister)
ban · is · ter
Plural:banisters
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banister Lexical Profile

banister Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The structure formed by the upright posts and handrail along the edge of a staircase.

Example

"She gripped the wooden banister tightly as she walked down the steep stairs."

2

A single upright post or spindle supporting the handrail of a staircase.

Example

"The carpenter replaced two broken banisters near the bottom of the landing."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for banister

Word Nuance & Usage

Although originally an alteration of 'baluster' (referring to a single vertical post supporting a rail), in modern usage 'banister' most commonly refers to the entire handrail and its supporting posts along a staircase.

• Rhymes for banister

• Nearby Words

bani river
banish
banishment
banister
banistered
banjax
banjo

Word Origin & Etymology

Recorded in the mid-17th century as a colloquial alteration of 'baluster', which entered English via French and Italian 'balaustro' from Latin 'balaustium' (wild pomegranate flower), because the swelling profile of the upright post resembled an unopened pomegranate blossom.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Banister. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/banister
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