noun ·Uncommon ·College level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   A rectangular column that projects partially from the wall to which it is attached; it gives the appearance of a support, but is only for decoration.
2. 2
   a rectangular column that usually projects about a third of its width from the wall to which it is attached wordnet
3. 3
   A column or short wing wall attached to the foundation wall which provides lateral support, or to support a vertical load that does not fall on the foundation wall.

Synonyms

All synonyms

antenna towerarcadeatlasbalusterbalustradebanister

Example

More examples

"There was a decorative pilaster to either side of the building's entrance."

Etymology

From Middle French pilastre, from Italian pilastro. Equivalent to pillar + -aster.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.