noun
doorknob
DAW-nob
Doorknob (noun) means the rounded handle you turn to open a door. Example: “The doorknob was cold under her hand.”
noun
1
The rounded handle you turn to open a door.
"The doorknob was cold under her hand."
verb
1
(informal, psychiatry) To raise a serious or time-consuming issue right as a session or meeting is about to end.
"He doorknobbed his therapist with a huge revelation right at the end of the hour."
How to use doorknob
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe handle for opening a door; informally, also used for bringing up a big topic just as time runs out.
Common pairings
turn the doorknob
doorknobbing (in therapy)
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Word forms
- Plural
- doorknobs
- Third person singular
- doorknobs
- Past tense
- doorknobbed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ was cold under her hand.
Etymology
A compound of "door" and "knob."
Synonyms
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doorhandle
Frequently asked questions
What does “doorknob” mean?
The word “doorknob” means the rounded handle you turn to open a door. In plain terms, the handle for opening a door; informally, also used for bringing up a big topic just as time runs out.
How do you pronounce “doorknob”?
“Doorknob” is pronounced DAW-nob (/ˈdɔɹ.nɑb/ in IPA).
How do you use “doorknob” in a sentence?
Here is “doorknob” used in a sentence: “The doorknob was cold under her hand.”
What part of speech is “doorknob”?
Depending on how it is used, “doorknob” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “doorknob” have?
“Doorknob” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the rounded handle you turn to open a door.
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