noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
General-American:/ˈhændˌɹeɪl/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:HH AE1 N D R EY2 L
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
noun
Meaning 1
A rail which can be held, such as on the side of a staircase, ramp, or other walkway, and serving as a support or guard.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: handhold, rail, railing
2
noun
Meaning 2
A moving continuous belt-like rail on either side of an escalator which users can hold on to for support.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
noun
Meaning 3
a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.