knocker
knocker Lexical Profile
knocker Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A hinged device, typically made of heavy metal like brass or iron, attached to the outside of a door and used for striking the door to attract the attention of those inside.
"She lifted the heavy brass knocker and let it fall sharply against the wooden door."
A person who strikes or pounds on a surface, particularly someone who knocks on a door.
"The persistent knocker at the front gate finally woke the sleeping security guard."
British A person who habitually disparages, criticizes, or finds fault with someone or something.
"He ignored the knockers and cynics, choosing instead to focus on building his new business."
Word Nuance & Usage
In informal contexts, the plural form 'knockers' is frequently used as slang for a woman's breasts, presenting a notable register trap for English learners; whereas the singular primarily refers to a door fitting.
• Rhymes for knocker
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Middle English 'knokker', consisting of the verb 'knock' (from Old English 'cnocian', meaning to pound or strike) and the agent noun suffix '-er'.