banister

/ˈbænɪstə(ɹ)/noun

The rail you hold onto along the edge of a set of stairs.

Example sentences

“Hold the banister so you don't slip on the wet steps.”
“The old wooden banister wobbled as we climbed to the third floor.”

Also spelled "bannister" with two n's; both are accepted. Children slide down it, which is most people's first association.

Synonyms for banister

handrail
railing
balustrade

Often confused with banister

banister vs barrister

Related words

thresholdThe strip at the bottom of a doorway that you step over when entering a room or building.skylightA window set into a roof or ceiling that lets daylight into a room.doormatA rough mat placed outside a door where people can wipe the dirt off their shoes.fireplaceA recessed hearth built into a wall at the bottom of a chimney, where a fire can burn indoors.doorbellA button or device beside a door that visitors press or ring to let people inside know they have arrived.mantelThe shelf over a fireplace, which can also help support the chimney structure above it.