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.
The desert is at your doorstep, so swap out the Prada for Patagonia. Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025 The 200-page document provides an assessment on how churches in various parts of the world are dealing with abuse, including on the pope’s doorstep in Italy. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025 Ellis Rickwood scored from the doorstep on the rebound of a sharp-angle Livanavage shot. Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025 Here, breakfast baskets are delivered directly to guests' doorsteps, and the freestanding dry saunas offer a restorative retreat after a day outdoors. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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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