newel

[ noo-uhl, nyoo- ]

noun

1. newel post.
2. a central pillar or upright from which the steps of a winding stair radiate.
3. (on an escalator) the horizontal section of railing at the upper or lower end.

newel

/ ˈnjuːəl /

noun

1. the central pillar of a winding staircase, esp one that is made of stone
2. See newel post

Word History and Origins

Origin of newel¹

1325–75; earlier nuel, Middle English nowel < Middle French no ( u ) el kernel, newel < Late Latin *nucāle, noun use of neuter of nucālis of a nut, nutlike, equivalent to Latin nuc- (stem of nux ) nut + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of newel¹

C14: from Old French nouel knob, from Medieval Latin nōdellus, diminutive of nōdus node

Example Sentences

Among the artefacts found in the house are two angels, carved from oak, which once stood as newel posts at the foot of the house's main stairway.

From BBC

However, the newel post and railing had been replaced during a previous renovation and had a different stain that had yellowed over time, resulting in a kind of Franken-staircase.

From Seattle Times

Twin elephants carry newel post lamps on the staircase.

From New York Times

One luxuriated on a fluffy bedspread by a picture window overlooking Manhattan; another perched on a banister newel post, master of his empty household.

From New York Times

She paints portraits of people’s homes, focusing on one modest detail — a doorstop, a newel post or the fringed trim of a curtain.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• panel
• pole