doorknob

American  

[dawr-nob, dohr-] / ˈdɔrˌnɒb, ˈdoʊr- /

noun

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

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of doorknob

First recorded in 1840–50; door + knob

Example Sentences

In an AI era when attackers can jiggle every virtual doorknob continuously, human defenders don’t stand a chance.

From The Wall Street Journal

It didn’t take him long to gulp them down, lick the fork one last time, and then transfer the fork to his other hand so he could grab the doorknob.

From Literature

He jostled the doorknob but it was locked.

From Literature

She stretched her arm up, barely able to reach the doorknob.

From Literature

He blinked and sat up, slipped his feet into his slippers, took the skunk sling from the doorknob where he’d hung it the night before, and went into the living room.

From Literature

Related Words

• latch
• lever