doorbell

American  

[dawr-bel, dohr-] / ˈdɔrˌbɛl, ˈdoʊr- /

noun

1. a bell chime, or the like, at a door or connected with a door, rung by persons outside wanting someone inside to open the door.

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verb (used without object)

1. to canvass or solicit from door to door, especially for votes or contributions.

Etymology

Origin of doorbell

First recorded in 1805–15; door + bell ¹

Explanation

A doorbell is a signal that a visitor can use to let you know they're at your door. Most doorbells have a small button that rings a bell inside the house when it's pushed. Your doorbell might emit a long chiming ring, even playing part of a song, or it may make a harsh buzzing sound. Doorbells tend to be louder than a simple knock on the door, and often they can be heard throughout a house or apartment. The very first doorbells were developed by the Scottish inventor William Murdock in the early 19th century.

Example Sentences

Abbott was last seen alive on a doorbell camera as she returned from walking her corgi Prince at about 07:30 BST on the day she was attacked.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

The light on the doorbell camera remained on, indicating she was still watching us.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Neighborhood doorbell cameras, Flock license plate readers and hyperlocal social media sites like Nextdoor create a crowdsourced record of all people’s movements in public spaces.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

Their doorbell now has a Post-it note that says “do not use.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

He heard the doorbell downstairs and then Ms. Morales’s powerful voice calling, “Natalie? Finn, Emma, and, uh, Chess? What’s going on? This was supposed to be a quick stop, remember?”

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• buzzer