What does "banister" mean?

The handrail on the side of a staircase.

What is a synonym for "banister"?

Common synonyms include: balustrade, handrail, baluster, balusters, balustrade, bannister.

/ˈbænɪstɚ/ name, noun, verb

name, noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level

Noun

1
The handrail on the side of a staircase.
"wooden banister"
2
a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling wordnet
3
One of the vertical supports of a handrail; a baluster.

Verb

Proper Noun

1
A surname originating as an occupation for a maker of baskets. countable, uncountable
2
An unincorporated community and district in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, United States. countable, uncountable

"Tom kept his hand on the banister as he walked down the stairs."

Etymology 1

Alteration of earlier barrester, ballester, corruptions of baluster.

Etymology 2

English and Norman surname, variant of Bannister.