doorstep

noun

door·​step ˈdȯr-ˌstep How to pronounce doorstep (audio)
: a step before an outer door
see also:
on one's doorstep

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.
The Middle Eastern sovereign funds contributing more than half the deal’s equity sit in more precarious positions still, with war on their doorstep. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 And, as is true for any beauty writer, my tenure entailed a never-ending stream of unmarked boxes of products arriving at my doorstep with enough regularity to concern my neighbors. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026 Gordon Campbell, 42, who lives near Glasgow, Scotland, set up a security camera after bottles of milk repeatedly disappeared from his doorstep, news agency SWNS reported. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Describing themselves as a professional neighborhood watch group, former gang members and addicts are helping Venice residents clear encampments from their doorsteps. — Laurie Perez, CBS News, 31 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing doorstep

Rhymes for doorstep

See All Rhymes for doorstep

Browse Nearby Words

doorstead
doorstep
doorstone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doorstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doorstep. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of doorstep for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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