newel

noun

new·​el ˈnü-əl How to pronounce newel (audio)
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

Illustration of newel
  • newel 2

Examples of newel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Located at the very top and bottom of your staircase, a newel refers to a thicker support piece that bookends your handrail and balusters to anchor the staircase into the rest of your home. — Alyssa Longobucco, House Beautiful, 1 Sep. 2022 In this case, a gilded dining room chair offers guests a spot to sit and take off their shoes, while a curved newel holds a purse. — Katie Bandurski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2022

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of newel was in the 14th century

Rhymes for newel

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Cite this Entry

“Newel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/newel. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

newel

noun
new·​el ˈn(y)ü-əl How to pronounce newel (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on newel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about newel

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