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Railing: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿšง
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railing

 

[หˆreษชlษชล‹ ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'railing' comes from the Old French โ€˜railleโ€™, meaning 'to form a fence'.
  • In medieval architecture, railings were developed primarily for safety around stairs and open areas.
  • The use of railings became more common during the Renaissance when interior design emphasized spaces where people gathered.

Architecture

  • Modern railings are often made from materials like glass or stainless steel for a sleek, contemporary look.
  • In architecture, the design of railings can significantly influence the aesthetic and safety of a building's interior or exterior.
  • Architects often consider the height and spacing of railings to meet safety codes and prevent accidents.

Safety Regulations

  • Railings are subject to strict safety regulations that vary by region, especially in public buildings.
  • Building codes require railings to be a certain height to ensure that they adequately prevent falls.
  • The spacing between vertical bars in railings must be designed to keep small children from slipping through.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, railings are often used as props for dramatic scenes where characters lean over or interact intensely.
  • Songs and poetry sometimes reference railings as symbols of safety or barriers to overcome.
  • In visual art, railings are frequently depicted in paintings to convey perspective and depth, adding layers to the scene.

Psychology

  • Holding onto a railing can provide comfort and a feeling of security while navigating heights or steep areas.
  • People often report feeling more anxious in places without railings, indicating the psychological impact of design in public spaces.
  • The presence of railings can influence the way people use stairs, encouraging them to be more cautious.

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

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.