Dutch door

American  

noun

1. a door consisting of two units horizontally divided so that each half can be opened or closed separately.

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Dutch door British  

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): stable door.  a door with an upper and lower leaf that may be opened separately

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Etymology

Origin of Dutch door

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

A light-filled kitchen offers custom cabinetry, marble countertops, built-in seating, a farmhouse sink, and a Dutch door that opens to the outdoor living area.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

“The cuckoo clock, the Dutch door, the daylight basement — humble horsemen of the domestic Apocalypse. The VWs, parked in the driveway.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2025

France boss Corinne Diacre said beforehand they would approach this encounter "with a sledgehammer" and that was how it appeared as they battered on the Dutch door from the off.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2022

The designers and homeowners’ favorite view, however, is that of the pond on misty mornings, framed by the upper section of a Dutch door in the kitchen.

From New York Times • Dec. 29, 2020

When we pulled open the Dutch door, he startled and swung his big head around to find out who was up so early.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk