doorbell

American  

[dawr-bel, dohr-] / ˈdɔrˌbɛl, ˈdoʊr- /

noun

1. a bell chime, or the like, at a door or connected with a door, rung by persons outside wanting someone inside to open the door.

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verb (used without object)

1. to canvass or solicit from door to door, especially for votes or contributions.

Etymology

Origin of doorbell

First recorded in 1805–15; door + bell ¹

Explanation

A doorbell is a signal that a visitor can use to let you know they're at your door. Most doorbells have a small button that rings a bell inside the house when it's pushed. Your doorbell might emit a long chiming ring, even playing part of a song, or it may make a harsh buzzing sound. Doorbells tend to be louder than a simple knock on the door, and often they can be heard throughout a house or apartment. The very first doorbells were developed by the Scottish inventor William Murdock in the early 19th century.

Example Sentences

Williams came to her home in the early morning of Aug. 8, 2022, and rang the doorbell repeatedly.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Abbott was last seen alive on a doorbell camera as she returned from walking her corgi Prince at about 07:30 BST on the day she was attacked.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

From doorbell cameras to garage-door openers, cloud-based devices offer cybercriminals easy access to high-profile targets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

When I was a child, my father warned me about answering the phone or the doorbell.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Betsie had long since moved into Tante Jans’s little sleeping cubicle where she would be nearer the kitchen and the doorbell.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• buzzer