Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

handrail

/ˈhændˌɹeɪl/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.35 in modern English

Syllables: handrail
IPA: /ˈhændˌɹeɪl/

12

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

2

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

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.

noun

A moving continuous belt-like rail on either side of an escalator which users can hold on to for support.

Example Sentences

"Retractable steps and handrails are provided on each side of the cars. The steps, which are under the control of the guard, are operated by hand levers in the entrance vestibule."
"Walkways and handrails were also upgraded during the work, to improve safety for maintenance staff."
"We trialled a new ultraviolet system that runs under the handrail of an escalator, killing the virus. We are rolling that out at more than 100 stations."

Etymology

From hand + rail.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈhændˌɹeɪl/

Inflected Forms

handrails (plural)

Derived Forms

handrailed handrailing

Frequently Paired Words

balustrade baluster

Synonyms

bannister banister balustrade balusters

Questions

How do you pronounce handrail?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈhændˌɹeɪl/.
What does handrail mean?: 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.
Where does handrail come from?: From hand + rail.

How to pronounce handrail

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “handrail”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈhændˌɹeɪl/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “handrail”.
Repeat and practice — Say “handrail” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.