trapdoor

noun

trap·​door ˈtrap-ˈdȯr How to pronounce trapdoor (audio)
Synonyms of trapdoornext
: a lifting or sliding door covering an opening (as in a roof, ceiling, or floor)

Examples of trapdoor 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.
The trapdoor to the treehouse does not open from the outside. — Mark Nevins, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 But Henry’s would-be rock bottom appears to have been outfitted with a trapdoor. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2026 Then around a dozen defendants took their seats after climbing steps that led directly from the basement floor into a courtroom trapdoor. — Kaya Genç, The Dial, 9 June 2026 Anxious times for Forest, only five points above the relegation trapdoor. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trapdoor

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trapdoor was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing trapdoor

Rhymes for trapdoor

See All Rhymes for trapdoor

Browse Nearby Words

trap cut
trapdoor
trapdoor spider
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

trapdoor

noun
trap·​door ˈtrap-ˈdō(ə)r How to pronounce trapdoor (audio)
-ˈdȯ(ə)r
: a lifting or sliding door covering or hiding an opening in a roof, ceiling, or floor

More from Merriam-Webster on trapdoor

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trapdoor

Nglish: Translation of trapdoor for Spanish Speakers

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