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

"El Nino is arriving on our doorstep," UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a video message.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

Minutes later, thanks to a carefully choreographed stocking and delivery process on the back end, the diapers were at her doorstep, to the New Delhi mom’s relief.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

The building was home to many notable figures before the Beatles set foot on the doorstep.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

"I think there’s now a responsibility on the cabinet to talk to Keir and to recognise, as they obviously are picking up on the doorstep, that this can’t carry on forever," he told BBC Radio.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

“The travel coins you provided were extraordinary. Arriving right at your doorstep and without the hassle of customs was...dare I say, marvelous.”

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

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