1. a handrail with its supporting posts along the side of a staircase

Examples

• She gripped the bannister tightly as she walked down the steep stairs.
• The old wooden bannister was polished to a beautiful shine.
• Children often slide down the bannister when no one is watching.
• The bannister wobbled dangerously and needed to be repaired.
• He painted the bannister white to match the rest of the trim.
• The curved bannister followed the spiral staircase elegantly.