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.
Now, her estranged sister shows up at her doorstep, with her two kids. Marta Balaga, Variety, 18 July 2025 However, during this Mercury retrograde, relatives and guests could be camped on your doorstep. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 17 July 2025 It is also equipped with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a private deck with direct lake access, meaning nature is literally on your doorstep. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 July 2025 Jayden Daniels enters year two after helping lead his team to the doorstep of being the NFC's representative in Super Bowl LIX. Geoffrey Knox, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doorstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doorstep. Accessed 24 Jul. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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