knocker

noun

knock·​er ˈnä-kər 

1

: one that knocks: such as

a

: a metal ring, bar, or hammer hinged to a door for use in knocking

b

: a persistently pessimistic critic

2

sometimes vulgar : breast

—usually used in plural

Synonyms of knocker

• critic
• criticizer

Examples of knocker in a Sentence

the secretary of defense needs supporters, not knockers, to get through this crisis

Recent Examples on the Web

The technique was originally built for door-knockers advocating for ballot initiatives but can be adapted to other kinds of fraught conversations. — Lisa Pavia-Higel, The Conversation, 27 May 2026

Walk through the town in the early morning and see how the doors of local houses, typically adorned with knockers in the shape of a hand, are hung with warm, fresh bread delivered by the local bakery. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Upgrade your doorknob, knocker or hardware to a modern finish for instant polish. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026

Upgrading your doorknob, knocker or hardware to a modern finish makes a noticeable difference. — Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing knocker

• apple-knocker
• door knocker

Rhymes for knocker

• blocker
• chalker
• cocker
• docker
• hawker
• hocker
• locker
• mocker
• ocher
• rocker
• shocker
• soccer

Kids Definition

knocker

noun

knock·​er ˈnäk-ər 

: a device made like a hinge and fastened to a door for use in knocking