railing

Pluralrailings

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A barrier made of horizontal bars held up by upright posts.

   Like a low wall of bars that keeps you from falling over an edge.

   She held onto the railing as she walked down the steep stairs.

   A low railing kept visitors from falling into the water.

   Similarbalustrade, banister, barrier, fence, handrail

   Note
2. 2
   verb

   Present participle of rail. Use this form for the action of complaining bitterly as it happens.

   He was railing against the new rules all evening.

   She kept railing at the referee from the stands.

   Note
3. 3
   adjective

   Always complaining loudly and angrily.

   Like a person who always shouts that everything is wrong.

   The railing old man shouted at everyone who passed his gate.

   Nobody liked the railing customer who complained about every dish.

   Similarcarping, censorious, querulous

   Oppositeuncomplaining

   Note
4. 4
   adjective

   Full of angry, insulting words and loud complaints.

   Like a message that is nothing but shouting and insults.

   He sent a railing letter full of angry words to the council.

   Her railing speech was nothing but insults and complaints.

   Similarvitriolic, abusive, vituperative, scathing, denunciatory

   Oppositelaudatory, complimentary, approving

   Note
5. 5
   adjective

   Blowing very hard and wildly, like a strong wind.

   Like wind so strong it nearly knocks you down.

   The railing wind tore branches from the trees all night.

   Sailors struggled against the railing storm off the coast.

   Similarhowling, raging, violent, fierce, furious

   Oppositegentle, light

   Note

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