banister

/ˈbænɪstə(ɹ)/noun

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

Example sentence

“Hold the banister so you don't slip on the wet steps.”

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

Related words

railingA barrier made of horizontal bars held up by posts, used along stairs, balconies, or fences.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.