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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In an era of declining socialization, the holiday gives Americans the opportunity for a shared physical place to be in and people to connect with, whether on doorsteps or at costume parties. Kate Lindsay, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024 Amazon Today was part of the company’s push to get online purchases to shoppers’ doorsteps at faster speeds. Annie Palmer, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024 At that point, the CME is practically on Earth's doorstep. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2024 Lynch extended the framework through her plan for bringing primary care to America’s doorstep. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 Oct. 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 15 Nov. 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
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