pilaster

noun

pi·​las·​ter pi-ˈla-stər How to pronounce pilaster (audio) ˈpī-ˌla- How to pronounce pilaster (audio)
Synonyms of pilasternext
: 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

Illustration of pilaster

Illustration of pilaster
  • 1 pilaster

Synonyms of pilaster

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Examples of pilaster in a Sentence

the rectangular pilasters spaced along the building's facade lend an air of classical grandeur
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The small saints on side pilasters were sold off on the antiques market. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Even now, its fins and pilasters adorn plenty of new construction, and in real-estate-speak, the phrase is code for high class. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026 And then this pilaster rising up. — Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026 Common features included grand arches, decorative molding and pilasters, which are vertical columns that project from walls. — Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pilaster

Word History

Etymology

Middle French pilastre, from Italian pilastro

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pilaster was in 1573

Rhymes for pilaster

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Browse Nearby Words

pilar
pilaster
pilasterlike
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Cite this Entry

“Pilaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pilaster. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pilaster

noun
pi·​las·​ter ˈpī-ˌlas-tər How to pronounce pilaster (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce pilaster (audio)
: 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

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