banister

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbanɪstə/
(also bannister)

noun

(also banisters)
  • the structure formed by the uprights and handrail at the side of a staircase: he vaulted the banister she peered over the banisters
  • a single upright at the side of a staircase: I stuck my head between the banisters

Origin:

mid 17th century: from earlier barrister, alteration of baluster

Spelling help

Banister can also be spelled bannister, with a double n: both are correct.