railing

Everyday

1. A fence or barrier made of metal or wooden bars, often along stairs, a bridge or a balcony, to stop people falling. tree →
2. A single bar that you can hold on to, like a handrail. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety, railings keep people safe on stairs, balconies, bridges and near water; pupils learn to hold the railing and never climb over it. Railings are also put around parks and buildings. Phrases: hold the railing, lean on the railing, iron railings.

Examples

• Hold the railing when you go down the stairs. tree →
• Do not climb on the balcony railing. tree →
• The park has black iron railings around it. tree →
• We leaned on the railing to watch the boats. tree →
• The bridge railing stops people falling into the river. tree →
• He tied his bike to the railings outside the shop. tree →
• Paint the railings before the winter. tree →
• People used to stop and peep through the railings. tree →

Note

Countable; often plural: "the railings". Safety: never sit on, climb over or lean too far over a railing; never stick your head between the bars. Related: "handrail", "rail".