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

Neutrality makes economic sense for Pakistan, which relies on oil and gas imports through the Strait of Hormuz and wants to avoid getting dragged into further conflict on its doorstep.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Not long afterward, federal agents appeared on his doorstep to question him in person.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2026

Even if the active fighting ends within weeks, the deeper concern is whether a destabilized Iran becomes a permanent source of risk on Dubai’s doorstep.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

"Higher prices must come with higher standards - increases should be tied to Royal Mail's performance on the doorstep."

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Way back before Mami was even born, Chucha had just appeared at my grandfather's doorstep one night, begging to be taken in.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

Related Words

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