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.
Then a package meant for their new neighbor arrives at Craig’s doorstep. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025 The comedy starring Rafe Spall and BAFTA-nominee Esther Smith will in Season 5 find Nikki (Smith), and Jason (Spall) dealing with the consequences of Princess and Tyler’s biological mother Kat (Charlotte Riley) turning up at their doorstep. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 May 2025 His last minutes were shared in a series of messages to his wife, including the arrival of floodwaters at the family’s doorstep, his wife reported in a Sept. 27 Facebook post. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 5 May 2025 The disturbance didn’t come from some astral disaster at the solar system’s doorstep, however. Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 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 18 May. 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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