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

Carpenter said that when Applegate couldn’t gain access, he knocked on the door as well as rang the doorbell.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

As I ring the doorbell of Maggie O'Farrell's Edinburgh home, I wonder with some trepidation whether the acclaimed novelist might have become a bit starry after the whirlwind few months she's just had.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Williams came to her home in the early morning of Aug. 8, 2022, and rang the doorbell repeatedly.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

From doorbell cameras to garage-door openers, cloud-based devices offer cybercriminals easy access to high-profile targets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

I wondered when the doorbell would ring already, because Mom had called at least twenty minutes ago and I was getting pretty hungry.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Related Words

• buzzer