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 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 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 If your loft space came with a spiral staircase that leads to the bedroom, highlight it with a vintage newel post as HGTV star Alison Victoria did in her new Atlanta loft. Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 30 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

Dictionary Entries Near newel

Cite this Entry

“Newel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/newel. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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

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