# Newell

/ˈnuəɫ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/newell
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the central post that supports the handrail of a staircase. It is usually the large, strong post at the very bottom or top of the stairs.

For teachers: the central pillar of a winding staircase or the principal post at the foot or head of a flight of stairs. Often serves as the primary structural support for the balustrade.

## Examples

- He rested his hand on the wooden newell at the bottom of the stairs.
- The carpenter spent three days carving an intricate design into the oak newell to match the historic home's aesthetic.
- In grand Victorian architecture, the newell was frequently topped with a decorative cap or lamp, serving as both a structural necessity and a focal point for the entryway's design.

## Usage notes

- Commonly referred to as a 'newell post' in modern construction and interior design.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.