banisters

[/ˈbænɪstərz/]
nounpl: banisters (already plural; singular: banister)
corrimão, balaustrada
1. A railing with supporting posts (balusters) that runs along the side of a staircase to prevent falls
She held onto the banisters as she climbed the stairs.
Ela se segurou no corrimão enquanto subia as escadas.
2. The entire structure of railings and balusters on a staircase
The wooden banisters of the old mansion were beautifully carved.
O corrimão de madeira do velho casarão era lindamente esculpido.
In both English and Portuguese-speaking contexts, banisters are a standard safety feature in residential architecture. In Brazil, 'corrimão' is the everyday term while 'balaustrada' is more architectural. The phrase 'deslizar pelo corrimão' (sliding down the banisters) is a nostalgic reference to childhood play, recognized across Portuguese-speaking countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
railingshandrailsbalustradesguardrails

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
corrimão
Most common term for the handrail part specifically
General Brazilian
balaustrada
More formal term referring to the entire baluster structure
Portugal
corrimão, balaustrada
Same translations used; 'balaustrada' is more common in formal contexts
São Paulo
corrimão
Preferred everyday term

Related Words

balusterrailingstaircasehandrailnewel postspindle

Related Idioms & Phrases

hold onto the banisters - agarrar-se ao corrimão (to grip tightly for support)
sliding down the banisters - deslizar pelo corrimão (playful, often childish behavior)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →