banister
/ˈbænɪstə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbænɪstər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈba-nə-stər/ (ame, mw)
banister — noun
- banistersingular
- banistersplural
1. the structure made of upright posts and a long bar that runs along the open side
the structure made of upright posts and a long bar that runs along the open side of a staircase, which people hold to keep their balance while going up or down
Fatima held the banister tightly as she came down the narrow stairs.
held the banister
The old wooden banister had several loose posts that needed fixing.
banister had several loose posts
A small child slipped through the gap between the banister posts.
Yuki painted the banister white to match the new hallway wallpaper.
The tour guide warned everyone to keep away from the old banister on the balcony.
- railing
broader term; can refer to any fence-like barrier, not only on stairs
- balustrade
more formal term for the entire row of posts and the rail connecting them
文法句型
the banister
a banister
用法筆記
Often used with a definite article ('the banister') since a given staircase typically has one banister. 'Banister' can also refer specifically to just the top bar — see sense 2 below.
常見錯誤
2. the long bar at the top of a stair railing that you hold with your hand when wal
the long bar at the top of a stair railing that you hold with your hand when walking up or down steps
Gabriel ran his hand along the smooth wooden banister as he walked upstairs.
banister as he walked upstairs
Nia's fingers left a mark on the dusty banister near the top of the staircase.
Vikram grabbed the banister to steady himself when the stairs were dark.
A thick layer of dust covered the banister in the abandoned house.
Liam wiped the banister with a damp cloth to remove the sticky stain.
- handrail
more specific term for the bar you hold; 'banister' can include the posts too
文法句型
the banister
a banister
用法筆記
In everyday conversation, 'banister' often means the handrail bar specifically, even though the word can refer to the whole structure (sense 1). Use 'handrail' if you want to be unambiguous that you mean only the bar.