baluster

noun

bal·​us·​ter ˈba-lə-stər 

1

: an object or vertical member (such as the leg of a table, a round in a chair back, or the stem of a glass) having a vaselike or turned outline

2

: an upright often vase-shaped support for a rail

Examples of baluster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stone balusters set a stately base for a scroll candelabra and a footed bowl full of grapes, gourds, and greenery that emulates an old-world still life. —Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2024

Couples can toast to their future amid the fragrant citrus trees, pines, and rustling palms, all of which are framed by mottled stone balusters—a Gatsby-esque stage for speeches. —Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2023

Dave Holloway: There was no evidence on the stairs of someone going down, uh, like broken baluster or anything like that. —Tracy Smith, CBS News, 18 May 2024

Newels are the big posts, and balusters are the little posts between the big posts. —Benjamin Nugent, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French balustre, from Italian balaustro, from balaustra wild pomegranate flower, from Latin balaustium, from Greek balaustion; from its shape

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

baluster

noun

bal·​us·​ter ˈbal-ə-stər 

: a short post that supports a rail (as of a staircase)