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

One luxuriated on a fluffy bedspread by a picture window overlooking Manhattan; another perched on a banister newel post, master of his empty household.

From New York Times • Aug. 11, 2022

She paints portraits of people’s homes, focusing on one modest detail — a doorstop, a newel post or the fringed trim of a curtain.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2022

The stairs that lead up to the second floor have an unusual handrail and newel post, together resembling a rolled-up piece of paper that has been partially unfurled.

From Washington Post • Mar. 25, 2022

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

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