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Synonyms

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.

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

The FBI previously released doorbell camera footage showing a masked person carrying a backpack, who it said was investigators' prime suspect.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

The investigation is said to be "fast-moving", however, witnesses or anyone with relevant information - including CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage - have been urged to contact the force "as a matter of urgency".

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

The post included a photo of a teen carrying a realistic-looking toy pistol, which was captured by a doorbell camera in 2024, said Ziggy Azarcon, public information officer with the Irvine Police Department.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

And Bryson was doing just that, feeding himself—for the second time—when the doorbell rang.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.