railing
/ˈreɪlɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈreɪlɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈrā-liŋ/ (ame, mw)
railing — noun
- railingsingular
- railingsplural
1. a row of metal posts fixed into the ground, placed close together to form a fenc
a row of metal posts fixed into the ground, placed close together to form a fence that marks a boundary or stops people from crossing into an area
The park installed new iron railings to keep children away from the pond.
collocation: iron railings
Maeve climbed over the railing to fetch her ball from the neighbour's garden.
verb pattern: climb over the railing
The old stone bridge had iron railings on both sides to prevent falls.
Indra pointed to the broken railing near the construction site and called the city office.
Tall metal railings surrounded the cemetery, with a locked gate at the entrance.
文法句型
the + plural: the railings
adjective + railing(s)
用法筆記
Often used in plural form (railings) when referring to a continuous fence made of multiple posts. When describing a single post, the singular form is used — for example: 'one of the railings was loose'.
常見錯誤
2. a long bar fixed to the wall at the side of stairs, or a set of posts with a top
a long bar fixed to the wall at the side of stairs, or a set of posts with a top bar, that you hold for support while going up or down
Heather held the railing tightly as she walked down the dark staircase.
collocation: hold the railing
The wooden railing on the stairs wobbled, so Lan's father fixed it with screws.
noun + railing: stair railing
Vinícius slid his hand along the metal railing while climbing to the second floor.
Dylan painted the old stair railing white to match the freshly painted walls.
A toddler held the railing with both hands and practised going up the steps alone.
- handrail
narrower meaning — specifically the bar you grip with your hand, not including the vertical posts
- banister
British English term for the handrail and supporting posts on a staircase
- balustrade
more formal and architectural; refers to the complete row of posts and rail, often decorative
文法句型
the + singular: the railing
adjective + railing
用法筆記
This sense is often used interchangeably with 'handrail' or 'banister'. In British English 'banister' is more common for domestic stairs, while 'railing' is neutral and widely used in both varieties.