Word
doorknob
Phoneticsdoor·knob, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈduɹnɑb/
UK/dˈɔːnɒb/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a round handle on a door that you turn to open it.
n. a spherical or lever-shaped handle on a door, turned or pressed to release the latch and open the door.
Examples
“She turns the doorknob and opens the door.”
“He wiped the brass doorknob before the guests arrived for dinner.”
“The old doorknob rattled loosely in her hand, its worn metal cool against her palm as she hesitated before entering.”
Examples
simple
“She turns the doorknob and opens the door.”
contextual
“He wiped the brass doorknob before the guests arrived for dinner.”
complex
“The old doorknob rattled loosely in her hand, its worn metal cool against her palm as she hesitated before entering.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “doorknob” in context.
Verb
01. doorknob rattles
“The doorknob rattles when the wind blows.”
noun + verb
02. doorknob sticks
“The doorknob sticks, so push the door hard.”
noun + verb
03. grab doorknob
“I grabbed the doorknob and pulled the door closed.”
verb + noun
04. polish doorknob
“My father polished the doorknob until it shone.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. broken doorknob
“We need to fix the broken doorknob on the kitchen door.”
adj + noun
06. loose doorknob
“The loose doorknob moves when you try to open the door.”
adj + noun
07. round doorknob
“The round doorknob felt cold when I touched it.”
adj + noun
08. shiny doorknob
“She cleaned the shiny doorknob with a soft cloth.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. bedroom doorknob
“The bedroom doorknob is old and hard to turn.”
noun + noun
10. pair of doorknobs
“He bought a pair of doorknobs for the new doors.”
noun + prep + noun
11. grab the doorknob firmly
“Grab the doorknob firmly and turn it to the right.”
12. the doorknob is stuck
“The doorknob is stuck, so I cannot open the door.”
Real-World Examples
“Many of the historic doorknobs in the Houses of Parliament are hard to use” “You can also find smart doorknob or lever-handle replacement locks, which are more common in apartments (and some small businesses).” Etymology
From door + knob.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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