doorstep

American  

[dawr-step, dohr-] / ˈdɔrˌstɛp, ˈdoʊr- /

noun

1. a step or one of a series of steps leading from the ground to a door.

2. British Slang. a thick slice of bread.

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doorstep British  

/ ˈdɔːˌstɛp /

noun

1. a step in front of a door

2. very close or accessible

3. informal a thick slice of bread

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verb

1. to canvass (a district) or interview (a member of the public) by or in the course of door-to-door visiting

2. (of a journalist) to wait outside the house of (someone) to obtain an interview, photograph, etc when he or she emerges

doorstep Idioms  

1. see under at one's door (on one's doorstep).

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Etymology

Origin of doorstep

First recorded in 1800–10; door + step

Example Sentences

The deal could also see more Chinese investments in Canada, right on America's doorstep.

From BBC

It’s not by chance that this trouble has landed on your doorstep.

From Los Angeles Times

Back in Houston, immigration officers dropped 16-year-old Arnoldo off at the doorstep of his family home a few hours after the arrest.

From Salon

But crucially for Beijing, if President Xi manages to make a deal with Carney, it would give China more influence in a country that is on America's doorstep.

From BBC

I stood as still as a vase of peonies, fearing that the two of them were about to exchange words that would send me right back to the doorstep of the Home for the Friendless.

From Literature

Related Words

• brink
• verge