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 news blasted onto the Rainey family doorstep again in January. James Rainey follow, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025 Buckingham Palace temporarily became the Pink Pony Club on Saturday (July 5), with King Charles celebrating Pride 2025 by having the British Army Band perform a Chappell Roan hit on his front doorstep. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 July 2025 Within 72 hours of a person overdosing in Jefferson County, visitors arrive at their doorstep. Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 And another type of visitor has been showing up on John Prevost’s doorstep: people who feel that an American Pope is a sign. Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 July 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 14 Jul. 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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