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

The rounded handle you turn to open a door.

"The doorknob was cold under her hand."

verb

(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 notes

In 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)

Word forms

doorknobbed past tense, doorknobs plural, doorknobs singular

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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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