Definition of NEWEL

newel

Meanings

Plural: newels

Noun

  • the post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs; it supports the handrail
  • the central pillar of a circular staircase
  • A central pillar around which a staircase spirals.
  • A sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.
  • A novelty; a new thing.

Origin / Etymology

Inherited from Middle English nowel, *newel, from Old French noel, from either Early Medieval Latin nōdellus (“buckle”, diminutive of nōdus "knot") or Late Latin nucālis (“nut-like”, derivative of nux "nut"). Doublet of noil and noyau.

Synonyms

newel post, spindle

Scrabble Score: 8

newel is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
newel is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
newel is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 10

newel is a valid Words With Friends word