English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
verb

stell

stehl

Stell (verb) means to set something firmly in place; to fix or prop up. Example: “The farmer stelled the ladder against the barn wall.”

verb
1
To set something firmly in place; to fix or prop up.
"The farmer stelled the ladder against the barn wall."
noun
1
A shelter or enclosure for animals, or a fixed station or post.
"The sheep were kept in a stone stell during the storm."

How to use stell

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old, mostly dialectal word for setting something in place, or a small stone shelter for livestock — still heard in Scottish and northern English usage.

When to use it

Largely archaic or regional (especially Scottish); rare in everyday modern English.

Word forms

stelled past tense, stold past tense, stells plural, stells singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “stell” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The farmer _____ the ladder against the barn wall.

Etymology

From Old English stellan, "to place or set," related to the modern word "stall."

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for stell

See all rhymes for stell →

Frequently asked questions

What does “stell” mean?

The word “stell” means to set something firmly in place; to fix or prop up. In plain terms, an old, mostly dialectal word for setting something in place, or a small stone shelter for livestock — still heard in Scottish and northern English usage.

How do you pronounce “stell”?

“Stell” is pronounced stehl (/stɛl/ in IPA).

How do you use “stell” in a sentence?

Here is “stell” used in a sentence: “The farmer stelled the ladder against the barn wall.”

What part of speech is “stell”?

Depending on how it is used, “stell” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “stell” come from?

The word “stell” comes from Old English. From Old English stellan, "to place or set," related to the modern word "stall.".

How many meanings does “stell” have?

“Stell” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to set something firmly in place; to fix or prop up.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial