BANNISTER

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does Bannister mean? 

• BANNISTER (noun)
  The noun BANNISTER has 2 senses:

1. English runner who in 1954 became the first person to run a mile in less than four minutes (born in 1929)

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

  Familiarity information: BANNISTER used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BANNISTER (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

English runner who in 1954 became the first person to run a mile in less than four minutes (born in 1929)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

Bannister; Roger Bannister; Sir Roger Gilbert Bannister

Instance hypernyms:

four-minute man (someone who has run the mile in less that 4 minutes)

Sense 2

Meaning:

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

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

balusters; balustrade; banister; bannister; handrail

Hypernyms ("bannister" is a kind of...):

barrier (a structure or object that impedes free movement)

Meronyms (parts of "bannister"):

baluster (one of a number of closely spaced supports for a railing)

rail; railing (a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports)

Holonyms ("bannister" is a part of...):

balcony (a platform projecting from the wall of a building and surrounded by a balustrade or railing or parapet)

 Context examples 

Bannister entered, and shrank back in evident surprise and fear at our judicial appearance.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“We are investigating this unhappy business, Bannister,” said his master.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Ah, that’s a pity, Bannister.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

His troubled blue eyes glanced at each of us, and finally rested with an expression of blank dismay upon Bannister in the farther corner.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Now, sir, you must see that after Bannister’s words your position is hopeless, and that your only chance lies in a frank confession.”

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The unfortunate young man staggered back, and cast a look full of horror and reproach at Bannister.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Now, Mr. Soames, let us have a look at your servant, Bannister.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“Now, Bannister, will you please tell us the truth about yesterday’s incident?”

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I am prepared to swear, and so is Bannister, that it was smooth and unstained.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Bannister was very much upset by the incident.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)