doorjamb

American  

[dawr-jam, dohr-] / ˈdɔrˌdʒæm, ˈdoʊr- /

noun

1. either of the two sidepieces of a doorframe.

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doorjamb British  

/ ˈdɔːˌdʒæm /

noun

1. Also called: doorpost.  one of the two vertical members forming the sides of a doorframe

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Etymology

Origin of doorjamb

First recorded in 1830–40; door + jamb ¹

Compare meaning

How does doorjamb compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• doorjamb vs. doorframe

Example Sentences

The demonstrators spotted the vice president standing in the doorjamb at the top of the Senate steps and screeched, their decibel level now spiking.

From Fox News • Oct. 9, 2018

“That’s not something you want to deal with, and I was hanging onto the doorjamb when the door slammed on my hand over and over again,” Hood said.

From Washington Times • Oct. 22, 2016

Keith showed me former Millay colonist Leonard Cohen’s name carved in the doorjamb of his studio, and we made rubbings.

From Salon • May 16, 2016

We sat on the couch with another relative while Moalin’s mother, dressed in a black hijab, sat on the floor, leaning against a doorjamb.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 19, 2015

Mr. Whiskers was stretched across the doorjamb, spread out as long as he could be, trying to catch every possible breath of air to cool off.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson