banister

1 of 2

noun (1)

ban·​is·​ter ˈba-nə-stər How to pronounce banister (audio)
variants or less commonly bannister
Synonyms of banisternext
1
a
: a handrail with its supporting posts
b
: handrail
2
: baluster sense 2
banistered
ˈba-nə-stərd How to pronounce banister (audio)
adjective

bannister

2 of 2

noun (2)

ban·​nis·​ter

less common spelling of banister

1
a
: a handrail with its supporting posts
b
: handrail
2
: baluster sense 2

Synonyms of banister

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Noun (1)

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Examples of banister in a Sentence

Noun (1) The children love to slide down the banister. She held the banister tightly.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
The staircase is a floating composition of wood treads, steel posts and glass banisters. — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 25 May 2026 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
Noun
This option, at seven feet long, is a great layering option for stair bannisters or fireplace mantels. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025 The helicopter, its body on the stairwell bannister, was wedged between the trees and the lampposts bracketing the entrance to the stairs. — Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for banister

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of baluster

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of banister was in 1641

Rhymes for banister

See All Rhymes for banister

Browse Nearby Words

banishment
banister
Baniva
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Banister.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/banister. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

banister

noun
ban·​is·​ter
variants also bannister
ˈban-ə-stər
1
: one of the slender posts used to support the handrail of a staircase
2
: a handrail with its supporting posts
3
: the handrail of a staircase

Biographical Definition

Bannister

biographical name

Ban·​nis·​ter ˈba-nə-stər How to pronounce Bannister (audio)
Sir Roger (Gilbert) 1929–2018 British runner and neurologist

More from Merriam-Webster on banister

Nglish: Translation of banister for Spanish Speakers

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