noun
doorbell
DAW-behl
Doorbell (noun) means a button or device by an entrance that rings or chimes to alert people inside that someone is at the door. Example: “The doorbell rang just as she sat down to eat.”
noun
1
A button or device by an entrance that rings or chimes to alert people inside that someone is at the door.
"The doorbell rang just as she sat down to eat."
verb
1
(US politics) To go door to door canvassing, ringing bells to talk to residents.
"Volunteers doorbelled the whole neighborhood before the election."
How to use doorbell
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe button you press at someone's front door, or (in campaigning) to canvass house by house.
Common pairings
ring the doorbell
doorbell camera
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Word forms
- Plural
- doorbells
- Third person singular
- doorbells
- Past tense
- doorbelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ rang just as she sat down to eat.
Etymology
A straightforward compound of "door" and "bell."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “doorbell” mean?
The word “doorbell” means a button or device by an entrance that rings or chimes to alert people inside that someone is at the door. In plain terms, the button you press at someone's front door, or (in campaigning) to canvass house by house.
How do you pronounce “doorbell”?
“Doorbell” is pronounced DAW-behl (/ˈdɔɹ.bɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “doorbell” in a sentence?
Here is “doorbell” used in a sentence: “The doorbell rang just as she sat down to eat.”
What part of speech is “doorbell”?
Depending on how it is used, “doorbell” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “doorbell” have?
“Doorbell” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a button or device by an entrance that rings or chimes to alert people inside that someone is at the door.
