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.
Comments Danny McBride, do not step on that flaming bag on your doorstep. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025 But when the man’s mother arrives on his doorstep weeks before Christmas, the two are thrown back into each other’s orbit for the first time in a decade. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025 His best saves included a toe-save against Nathan MacKinnon on the doorstep, and a glove save against Brock Nelson from the slot. Kevin Papetti, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025 This March, the Huskies find themselves on the doorstep of great things, new territory for the program. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doorstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doorstep. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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
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