knocker

American  

[nok-er] / ˈnɒk ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that knocks.

2. a hinged knob, bar, etc., on a door, for use in knocking.

3. Informal. a persistent and carping critic; faultfinder.

4. Slang: Vulgar. a female breast.

---

idioms

1. on the knocker, canvassing or selling door-to-door.

knocker British  

/ ˈnɒkə /

noun

1. an object, usually ornamental and made of metal, attached to a door by a hinge and used for knocking

2. informal a person who finds fault or disparages

3. slang (usually plural) a female breast

4. a person or thing that knocks

5. informal promptly; at once

   you pay on the knocker here

---

Etymology

Origin of knocker

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at knock, -er ¹

Example Sentences

The site of the charred doors, with grilled peep hole and ancient heavy knocker, stirred no emotion in her.

From New York Times • Mar. 31, 2023

"Stay close to Troy or they gonna think you're a knocker."

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2021

“I’m a short knocker, but that Roberts hit the ball a mile. They knew they had the tournament in the bag, so they played like a couple of hackers on the 18th.”

From Golf Digest • Apr. 21, 2020

When guests come calling, they’ll announce their arrival using her original door knocker: a metal kitchen trivet.

From Washington Post • Apr. 5, 2019

As I lift the knocker, I read the Dutch name, Van Sandtford, beneath it.

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George