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 best artisan chocolate makers speed delivery of their bonbons to your doorstep, often within days of being made. Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 15 Feb. 2025 Lester, who is white, had faced first-degree assault and armed criminal action charges in the shooting of Yarl, who is Black, after the teen mistakenly showed up on his doorstep in Kansas City’s Northland, looking to pick up his brothers on April 13, 2023. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025 The Arlo Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) is completely wireless, super easy to install, and gives you a crystal-clear view of your doorstep. Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 12 Feb. 2025 The legal complexities of the issue have now landed at the doorstep of elementary schools, middle school classrooms, high schools and halls of higher learning. Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 10 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near doorstep

Cite this Entry

“Doorstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doorstep. Accessed 18 Feb. 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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