doorbell

American  

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

noun

doorbells plural

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• doorbells
  plural

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

A Brazilian woman has received a suspended prison term for going to BTS K-pop star Jungkook's house repeatedly despite warnings to stay away - even ringing the doorbell 133 times on one such visit.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

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

It is stated that they travelled to an address in East Kilbride and repeatedly covered their faces with clothing to conceal their identities from cameras as well as a video doorbell.

From BBC • May 19, 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

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