trapdoor

or trap door

[ trap-dawr, -dohr ]

noun

1. a door flush with the surface of a floor, ceiling, or roof.
2. the opening that it covers.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like a trapdoor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of trapdoor¹

First recorded in 1325–75, trapdoor is from Middle English trappe dore. See trap ¹, door

Example Sentences

Until you can’t stare at the words anymore, or you fall through a trapdoor into something new.

From Outside Online

But we reached Camp David in one piece, and there was no trapdoor for Cap.

From The Daily Beast

The explorers soon discovered that the only entrance into the estufa was by a trapdoor and a ladder.

From Project Gutenberg

Jack, the bullets whistling thickly around him, managed to crawl unhurt to the trapdoor and again descend into the courtyard.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, taking him to the top of one of their great houses, they bade him step down through an open trapdoor into a dark chamber.

From Project Gutenberg

When this trapdoor is not closed, and food "goes down the wrong way," we choke, and the food is expelled by coughing.

From Project Gutenberg

When food is in the course of being swallowed, the upper part of this tube forms a trapdoor over the opening.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• side door