newel

noun

new·​el ˈnü-əl 

ˈnyü-

1

: an upright post about which the steps of a circular staircase wind

2

: a post at the foot of a straight stairway or one at a landing

Illustration of newel

• newel 2

Examples of newel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like the custom windows and the door hardware and hinges, the iron newel post caps on the stairway showcase fine detail not to missed, either. —Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025

The stairs feature black newel posts, natural wood treads, and white balusters. —John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Jan. 2023

Baumeister showed Rocca the elaborate newel post, its finial shrouded in mystery. —Mo Rocca, CBS News, 25 Dec. 2022

Carefully preserved, an original newel speaks to the home's history. —Sally Finder Weepie, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2022

The phrase balustrade can also include the newel posts as well. —Alyssa Longobucco, House Beautiful, 1 Sep. 2022

Pieces of weathered wood were made into the fireplace mantle and the newel and handrail on the stairway to the second floor. —Richard A. Marini, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nowell, from Anglo-French nuel, noel stone of a fruit, stone cut to form a newel, from Late Latin nucalis like a nut, from Latin nuc-, nux nut — more at nut

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for newel

• cruel
• dual
• duel
• fuel
• gruel
• jewel
• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual

Kids Definition

newel

noun

new·​el ˈn(y)ü-əl 

1

: an upright post about which the steps of a circular staircase wind

2

: a post at the foot of a straight stairway or one at a landing