Synonyms

trapdoor

American

[trap-dawr, -dohr] / ˈtræpˈdɔr, -ˈdoʊr /

Or trap door

noun

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

adjective

of, relating to, or like a trapdoor.

Etymology

Origin of trapdoor

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The park, which closed in late December, contains games and rides that reference past MrBeast videos, such as a trapdoor tower and catapults.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026

Scientists at the University of California, Davis report the discovery of a previously unrecognized trapdoor spider that lives in California's coastal sand dunes.

From Science Daily • Nov. 2, 2025

She knows the location of the hidden trapdoor that leads to the rafters of the arch above the nave.

From New York Times • May 6, 2024

“We didn’t know there was this trapdoor you can fall through this far into the process.”

From Science Magazine • Jan. 16, 2024

As though in answer to his question, the trapdoor suddenly opened, and a silvery ladder descended right at Harry’s feet.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023