doorbell

noun

door·​bell ˈdȯr-ˌbel How to pronounce doorbell (audio)
: a bell or set of chimes to be rung usually by a push button at an outer door

Examples of doorbell in a Sentence

We rang the doorbell until someone came to let us in.
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.
Five days prior, a woman rang the Ring doorbell and, about 4:30 a.m. on April 4, a man wearing a black jacket, mask and hat, was seen prying open the door and then leaving the home through the front door minutes later with a backpack and a box. Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 16 May 2025 After Bailey went outside to get the doorbell, the filing alleges that Granberry locked her out of her house. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 May 2025 There was the feisty feline who began ringing one home owner's doorbell well after 9 P.M. Then there was the clever cat who came up with a unique way of being let back inside using their owner's security camera. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 One of Butler’s neighbors shared home surveillance footage with the outlet that shows the three teens going up to Butler’s home and not only ringing the doorbell but banging, kicking and slamming on a garage door. Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for doorbell

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doorbell was in 1807

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doorbell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doorbell. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

doorbell

noun
door·​bell -ˌbel How to pronounce doorbell (audio)
: a bell, gong, or set of chimes to be rung usually by a push button at an outside door

More from Merriam-Webster on doorbell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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