Meaning & Definition of word "Railing"

Railing

/ˈreɪlɪŋ/

noun:

  • 1. A barrier or support consisting of a series of horizontal or vertical bars.
    • Example: The children were playing near the railing of the balcony.
  • 2. An inclination or complaint, often expressed loudly.
    • Example: His railing against the policies of the government was heard in every meeting.

verb:

  • 1. To criticize or complain in a loud or harsh manner.
    • Example: She began railing about the poor service at the restaurant.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English, from the word 'rail', which comes from Old French 'raiele', meaning 'a bar'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

railing against:

To complain or criticize vehemently.

beyond the railing:

Beyond the boundaries set by rules or norms.

to take up the railing:

To adopt a stance of criticism.

Related Words

rail:

A long, narrow bar of metal or wood.

fence:

A barrier enclosing or bordering a field, yard, etc.

balustrade:

A row of small columns supporting a rail.

Slang Meanings of railing

Meaning: To scold or criticize harshly.

Example Sentence: He was railing at his team for missing the deadline.

Meaning: To express frustrations aggressively.

Example Sentence: She started railing about the poor service at the restaurant.