doorknob

[dawr-nob, dohr-]

noun

1. the handle or knob by which a door is opened or closed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of doorknob¹

First recorded in 1840–50; door + knob

Example Sentences

Each one is accented with diamond-encrusted doorknobs and serves as storage for multiple trinkets, mementos, and collector’s items.

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Soon the children’s heads were nodding, but still Miss Mortimer’s hand lingered on the doorknob.

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Few signs of forced entry were visible on Sunday at the singer's home apart from a broken doorknob, an AFP journalist observed.

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I could almost hear the click of the doorknob.

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Static electricity -- the spark you feel when touching a doorknob or pulling on a sweater -- occurs when electrons build up and discharge suddenly upon contact with a conductor.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• latch 
• lever 

When To Use

What is a doorknob?

A doorknob is the knob or handle used to open and close a door.Doorknobs are common on doors, especially the inside doors of a home, such as the doors of different rooms and closets. These tend to be metal and shaped like a, well, knob—a part that sticks out and has a rounded end. Door handles in other shapes might be called doorknobs, but it’s more likely for them to be called door handles or just handles.Another difference is that doorknobs typically turn. Door handles can turn, but they can also be fixed in place, like a vertical or horizontal bar.A doorknob may also have a lock or keyhole to lock the door with.Example: The mansion was so luxurious that even the doorknobs were made of solid gold.