Railing vs. Handrail — What's the Difference?

A fence or barrier made of rails

A handrail is a rail that is designed to be grasped by the hand so as to provide stability or support. Handrails are commonly used while ascending or descending stairways and escalators in order to prevent injurious falls.

A structure made of a rail, often connecting a series of upright members, that is used as a guard or barrier or for support, as on a balcony or next to a staircase.

A narrow railing that is grasped with the hand for support, as on a staircase.

The rail of such a structure.

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.

Rails considered as a group.

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

A fence or barrier consisting of one or more horizontal rails and vertical supports.

A rail{1} at the side of staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling; - shaped so as to be conveniently gripped with the hand; as, please hold onto the handrail when crossing the walkway.

Present participle of rail

A railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling

Expressing reproach; insulting.

A barrier made of a rail or of rails, together with vertical supports. The typical railing in the interior of structures or on porches has a horizontal rail near waist height, and multiple vertical supports. Its function is usually to provide a safety barrier at the edge of a verticle drop to prevent falls.

Rails in general; also, material for making rails.

A barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports

Material for making rails or rails collectively