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

Hours later, the doorjamb was clearly broken and the door was hanging ajar.

From New York Times • Nov. 5, 2021

"Nobody answered so he folded it in half and stuck it in the doorjamb."

From Salon • Aug. 20, 2021

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

Tariq will be standing there, grinning, one fist on the doorjamb and the other on his hip.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon