-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
pilaster
noun
pi·las·ter
pi-ˈla-stər
ˈpī-ˌla-
: an upright architectural member that is rectangular in plan and is structurally a pier but architecturally treated as a column and that usually projects a third of its width or less from the wall
Examples of pilaster in a Sentence
the rectangular pilasters spaced along the building's facade lend an air of classical grandeur
Recent Examples on the Web
In the building’s northeast corner, a 2,400-square-foot fifth-floor spread, entered by way of a landmarked vestibule, exudes Gilded Age opulence with landmarked walls lined with mahogany pilasters, intricate moldings, ornate plaster ceilings, and massive arched windows.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2023
Still, Palais Royal, which got its name for its pink marble pilasters on its facade, features many modern updates and modifications.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2023
Among the innovations of these returnees was a distinctive form of architecture—a mélange of grand European and Latin American colonial styles rife with vaulted arches, ornate columns, pilasters.
—Tausif Noor, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2023
On the ground floor, there’s a discreet private security office and an oval powder room just inside the front door, while pilasters and dentil moldings embellish the grand entrance gallery.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2023
Aside from the pilasters supporting the Roman arch over the door, there’s little left of the bathhouse.
—Robert Klara, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2023
Indulgent details abound, from striped Corinthian pilasters and custom fireplaces to elaborate gilt leaf light fixtures and crystal chandeliers.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 16 May 2023
The Prince dressed up the facade with pilasters and a balustrade and instantly transformed it, but he was stumped by the grounds.
—Town & Country, 28 Apr. 2023
Owners’ bath Fluted pilasters with gold capitals frame the tub under foot-thick crown molding.
—Judy Rose, Detroit Free Press, 11 Apr. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pilaster.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle French pilastre, from Italian pilastro
First Known Use
1573, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near pilaster
Cite this Entry
“Pilaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pilaster. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
pilaster
noun
pi·las·ter
ˈpī-ˌlas-tər
: an upright rectangular column that ornaments or helps to support a wall from which it sticks out slightly
Medical Definition
pilaster
noun
pi·las·ter
pi-ˈlas-tər
: an elongated hardened ridge
especially
: a longitudinal bony ridge on the back of the femur
More from Merriam-Webster on pilaster
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pilaster
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share