doorstep

noun

door·​step ˈdȯr-ˌstep How to pronounce doorstep (audio)
: a step before an outer door
Phrases
on one's doorstep
: close at hand
especially : too close to be overlooked

Examples of doorstep in a Sentence

We sat on the doorstep. The police were at my doorstep.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At your literal doorstep was a veritable world capital of social connection, retail nirvana and eclectic dining opportunities. David Petitti, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 Europe is scrambling to prepare its citizens for the growing threat of conflict arriving on its doorstep. Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025 In 41 games since, he’s scored 24 goals and put himself, again, on the doorstep of history. Sean Gentille, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025 White-sand beaches are minutes from nearly every doorstep. Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for doorstep

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doorstep was in 1767

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Cite this Entry

“Doorstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doorstep. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

doorstep

noun
door·​step -ˌstep How to pronounce doorstep (audio)
: a step or series of steps before an outer door

More from Merriam-Webster on doorstep

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