noun
Uncommon
doorstep
DAWS-tehp
Doorstep (noun) means the step just outside the entrance to a house. Example: “A parcel was waiting on the doorstep.”
noun
1
The step just outside the entrance to a house.
"A parcel was waiting on the doorstep."
verb
1
(UK) To turn up unannounced at someone's home, especially to ask questions or make a sale.
"Reporters doorstepped the politician outside his house."
How to use doorstep
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe step outside a front door, or (as a verb, chiefly British) to show up at someone's home uninvited.
UK vs US
The verb sense ("to doorstep someone") is mainly British usage, especially in journalism.
Common pairings
leave on the doorstep
doorstep an interview
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Word forms
- Plural
- doorsteps
- Third person singular
- doorsteps
- Past tense
- doorstepped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A parcel was waiting on the _____.
Etymology
A compound of "door" and "step."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “doorstep” mean?
The word “doorstep” means the step just outside the entrance to a house. In plain terms, the step outside a front door, or (as a verb, chiefly British) to show up at someone's home uninvited.
How do you pronounce “doorstep”?
“Doorstep” is pronounced DAWS-tehp (/ˈdɔː(ɹ)stɛp/ in IPA).
How do you use “doorstep” in a sentence?
Here is “doorstep” used in a sentence: “A parcel was waiting on the doorstep.”
What part of speech is “doorstep”?
Depending on how it is used, “doorstep” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “doorstep” a common word?
“Doorstep” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “doorstep” have?
“Doorstep” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the step just outside the entrance to a house.
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