doorstep

noun

door·​step ˈdȯr-ˌstep How to pronounce doorstep (audio)
: a step before an outer door
Phrases
on one's doorstep
: close at hand
especially : too close to be overlooked

Examples of doorstep in a Sentence

We sat on the doorstep. The police were at my doorstep.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Everything is packaged in a smart gift box and delivered to your doorstep. Tim Chan, Variety, 10 Dec. 2024 The national security consensus that has largely endured since the end of World War II is premised on keeping our adversaries at bay so that the horrors of war do not land our on our doorstep. Todd Harrison, TIME, 7 Dec. 2024 Your storyline, especially the scene where Andrew Lincoln’s character shows up at your doorstep with the cue cards, is now considered controversial. Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024 December is on our doorstep, and Netflix is prepared with a calendar full of bingeable favorites and intriguing new titles alike. EW.com, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for doorstep 

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doorstep was in 1767

Dictionary Entries Near doorstep

Cite this Entry

“Doorstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doorstep. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

doorstep

noun
door·​step -ˌstep How to pronounce doorstep (audio)
: a step or series of steps before an outer door

More from Merriam-Webster on doorstep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!