balustrade

noun

bal·​us·​trade ˈba-lə-ˌstrād 

1

: a row of balusters topped by a rail

2

: a low parapet or barrier

balustraded

ˈba-lə-ˌstrā-dəd 

adjective

Synonyms

• banister
• bannister
• guardrail
• rail
• railing

Examples of balustrade in a Sentence

an ornately carved balustrade for the staircase

Recent Examples on the Web

Head upstairs via the marble staircase with a bronze balustrade (or the elevator). —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025

The balustrade at the far end affords one of the great panoramas of the Eternal City, with the dome of St. Peter’s etched on the horizon. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025

We are ushered into a huge room that is decorated to resemble a residential square in Calcutta, with laundry hanging over the balustrades. —Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025

Alba followed her through the slit sheet of plastic draped over the front door to keep the dust in, and on the landing leaned over the balustrade to watch her descent. —Cormac James, Harper's Magazine, 2 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Italian balaustrata, from balaustro

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for balustrade

• accolade
• ambuscade
• antegrade
• barricade
• cannonade
• cavalcade
• centigrade
• chambermaid
• colonnade
• countertrade
• disobeyed
• escapade

Kids Definition

balustrade

noun

bal·​us·​trade ˈbal-ə-ˌstrād 

: a row of balusters topped by a rail

also : a low wall or barrier