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Definition of doorknob

doorknob

/ˈdɔːrˌnɑːb/
door · knob
Plural:doorknobs
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doorknob Lexical Profile

doorknob Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A rounded handle that is grasped and turned to open or close a door.

Example

"She nervously wiped her sweaty palm before reaching for the brass doorknob."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for doorknob

• Nearby Words

donkey
dontefossen
door
doorknob
doormat
doorway
dorado

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-19th century in American English, formed as a transparent compound of 'door' (from Old English 'duru') and 'knob' (from Middle Low German 'knobbe' or Middle English 'knobbe').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Doorknob. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/doorknob
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