Railing: meaning, definitions and examples

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railing

 

[ หˆreษชlษชล‹ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

along a staircase

A railing is a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and its supports, used to prevent people from falling over the edge of a staircase. Railings are commonly made of metal or wood.

Synonyms

banister, handrail.

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Word Description / Examples
railing

Repeats the same context as the first 'railing' entry mentioned above, which indicates a barrier or fence along the edges of various structures.

  • She leaned against the railing and looked out at the view.
  • The balcony railing was beautifully decorated with flowers.
banister

Commonly refers to the handrail and supporting posts found on the side of a staircase inside a building.

  • The child carefully held onto the banister as he went down the stairs.
  • He polished the wooden banister until it shone.
handrail

A horizontal or sloping rail intended for people to hold onto for support, typically found alongside stairs, ramps, or walkways.

  • Use the handrail when you go up the stairs to avoid falling.
  • The new ramp includes a sturdy handrail for added safety.

Examples of usage

  • She held onto the railing as she walked down the stairs.
  • The baby gripped the railing tightly as he learned to climb the steps.
Context #2 | Noun

along a balcony

A railing is also a structure along the edge of a balcony, terrace, or other elevated platform, serving as a safety barrier. It can be made of various materials, such as glass, iron, or stone.

Synonyms

balustrade, parapet.

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Word Description / Examples
railing

This is a repeat of the first entry.

balustrade

A balustrade refers to a row of small columns topped by a rail, commonly found on staircases, terraces, or balconies. It often adds a decorative element to the structure.

  • The antique house featured a beautifully carved balustrade.
  • He leaned over the balustrade to look at the garden below.
parapet

A parapet is a protective wall or barrier that is often located at the edge of a roof, balcony, bridge, or other elevated area. It is typically made of stone, brick, or concrete and is mainly used for safety and protection.

  • The soldiers took cover behind the parapet.
  • She stood at the parapet, watching the sunset over the city.

Examples of usage

  • The view from the balcony was obstructed by the metal railing.
  • He leaned against the balcony railing and gazed at the city below.
Context #3 | Verb

expressing criticism

To rail means to express strong criticism or disapproval of someone or something. It often involves speaking or writing vehemently against a person or an idea.

Synonyms

condemn, criticize.

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Word Description / Examples
railing

Expressing strong criticism or complaints in a loud or vehement way, often seen as emotional or intense.

  • She was railing against the new policy all evening.
  • The politician spent most of his speech railing at his opponents.
criticize

Expressing disapproval or finding fault with something or someone. This word is generally more neutral than 'railing' or 'condemn' and is commonly used in everyday situations.

  • Her boss criticized her report for being too lengthy.
  • He criticized the movie for its lack of originality.
condemn

Expressing strong disapproval of something, especially on moral or ethical grounds. This often implies a judgment and can be used in formal or serious contexts.

  • The organization condemned the actions of the corrupt officials.
  • The United Nations condemned the country's human rights violations.

Examples of usage

  • She railed against the government's decision to cut funding for education.
  • The journalist railed at the lack of transparency in the company's operations.

Translations

Translations of the word "railing" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น corrimรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเฅ‡เคฒเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gelรคnder

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pegangan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะตั€ะธะปะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ porฤ™cz

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ‰‹ใ™ใ‚Š (ใฆใ™ใ‚Š)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rampe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ barandilla

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท korkuluk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‚œ๊ฐ„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏุฑุงุจุฒูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zรกbradlรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zรกbradlie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ ๆ† (lรกn gฤn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ograja

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ handriรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะพั€ัˆะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ”แƒšแƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mษ™hkษ™mษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ barandilla

Etymology

The word 'railing' originated in the late 16th century, deriving from the verb 'rail,' which meant to complain or protest vehemently. Over time, the term evolved to also refer to a barrier along stairs or balconies. The concept of railings has been crucial for safety in architectural design, providing protection and support in various structures.

See also: derail, rail, raillery, railroad, rails, railway.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,098, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.