-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
balustrade
noun
bal·us·trade
ˈba-lÉ™-ËŒstrÄ?d
1
: a row of balusters topped by a rail
2
: a low parapet or barrier
Examples of balustrade in a Sentence
an ornately carved balustrade for the staircase
Recent Examples on the Web
The semicircles of pillars face a pool with a fountain, and 24 bronze bas-reliefs on the entrance balustrades illustrate scenes from the war years, at home and abroad.
—
Adam Nossiter, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
The balustrade at the far end affords one of the great panoramas of the Eternal City, with the dome of St. Peter’s etched on the horizon.
—
David Laskin, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
The oak desk in the library offers a view from above of the living room, and at the same time acts as a balustrade.
—
Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2024
Tip 4: Use a desk with a view as a balustrade
On the mezzanine, a gray bench feels like a natural part of the apartment’s structure.
—
Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for balustrade 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
French, from Italian balaustrata, from balaustro
First Known Use
1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near balustrade
Cite this Entry
“Balustrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balustrade. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
balustrade
noun
bal·us·trade
ˈbal-É™-ËŒstrÄ?d
: a row of balusters topped by a rail
also
: a low wall or barrier
More from Merriam-Webster on balustrade
Nglish: Translation of balustrade for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of balustrade for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about balustrade
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share