newel post

American  

noun

1. a post supporting one end of a handrail at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs.

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newel post British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: newel.  the post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs that supports the handrail

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Etymology

Origin of newel post

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

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 • Jul. 25, 2023

The interior of the Gaines street building retains much of its original layout as well as woodwork such as the central staircase with its newel post and spindles.

From Washington Times • Aug. 1, 2020

It has pine floors, large windows, period trim and stairs with a carved wooden newel post.

From Washington Post • Sep. 26, 2018

The walls of the semicircular stairway are faced in glazed terra cotta all the way to the ceiling, the newel post covered with stars and a shimmering sunburst.

From New York Times • Sep. 22, 2011

Janie hung over the newel post thinking so long that she all but went to sleep there.

From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston