door chain

Save This Word!

noun

a short chain with a removable slide fitting that can be attached between the inside of a door and the doorjamb to prevent the door from being opened more than a few inches without the chain being removed.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of door chain

First recorded in 1830–40

Words nearby door chain

door, doorbell, doorbrand, doorbuster, doorcase, door chain, door charge, door check, do-or-die, doorframe, door furniture

How to use door chain in a sentence

Natasha puts one end of the door-chain to a little hook in the door.
The Old House and Other Tales|Feodor Sologub
There was but one—the one that had been present when Uncle Mo was adjusting that door-chain.
When Ghost Meets Ghost|William Frend De Morgan
Still the Portier had not come back and the door chain swung in the wind.
The Street of Seven Stars|Mary Roberts Rinehart
I went down to the street door, and quietly put up the door chain.
Great Porter Square, v. 1|Benjamin Leopold Farjeon

Across the little door-chain she thrusts the signed paper and a tip into the hand of the messenger.
The Old House and Other Tales|Feodor Sologub