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

In this foyer, everything from the walls to the millwork to the doors and the balusters are saturated in White Dove. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2025

At the top of the staircase, which has its original wood balusters, are two more bedrooms, with hardwood floors and angled ceilings. —Angela Serratore, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025

While stripping the paint off a staircase on another job, the Brownstone Boys were inspired by the staircase’s balusters. —Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

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

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

Rhymes for baluster

• adjuster
• blockbuster
• combustor
• lackluster
• bluster
• buster
• cluster
• duster
• juster
• luster
• lustre
• muster

Kids Definition

baluster

noun

bal·​us·​ter ˈbal-ə-stər 

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