# doorknob

/ˈduɹnɑb/ (US) · /dˈɔːnɒb/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/doorknob
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a round handle on a door that you turn to open it.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.