doorknob

noun

door·​knob ˈdȯr-ˌnäb How to pronounce doorknob (audio)
: a knob that releases a door latch

Examples of doorknob in a Sentence

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.
Your toothbrush and high-touch areas like faucets and doorknobs should be cleaned daily. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 18 May 2026 Kids rub their eyes, touch a phone or a doorknob, and the virus can sit there for days waiting to reinfect someone. — Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 28 June 2026 The incident with the noose and the doorknob came in early October. — Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 2026 For some reason, management hasn’t bothered to fix the doorknob that was blasted off during the attack. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for doorknob

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doorknob was in 1835

Browse Nearby Words

door-key child
doorknob
door knocker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doorknob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doorknob. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

doorknob

noun
door·​knob -ˌnäb How to pronounce doorknob (audio)
: a knob that when turned releases a door latch

More from Merriam-Webster on doorknob

Nglish: Translation of doorknob for Spanish Speakers

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