1. the central post of a spiral or winding staircase
Usage: architecture

Examples

• The carpenter carefully installed the newel at the center of the spiral staircase.
• Each step of the winding staircase was attached to the sturdy oak newel.
• The ornate newel was carved with decorative patterns.
• Workers reinforced the newel to support the weight of the stone steps.
• The architect specified a cast iron newel for the Victorian-style staircase.