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doorstep

n. · v.
US //ˈdɔɹˌstɛp// UK //dˈɔːstɛp// doorstep
  1. 1 physical step (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a step outside the door of a house or building.

    a step or small platform outside the entrance of a building.

    Example

    The delivery driver left the package on the doorstep and rang the bell.

    Example

    The old woman sat on her doorstep every evening, watching the neighbourhood children play in the street until the lamps flickered on.
  2. 2 very close by (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the area very close to where you live.

    the immediate vicinity or locality of one's residence.

    Example

    We are lucky to have a beautiful park right on our doorstep.

    Example

    Living in the city centre means having world-class museums and galleries right on your doorstep, though the noise can be a significant drawback.
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  1. 3 thick slice of bread (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Informal Cooking

    a very thick slice of bread.

    a particularly thick slice of bread, typically hand-cut.

    Example

    He made a massive sandwich with two doorsteps of white bread.

    Example

    The farmhouse breakfast included two doorsteps of toasted bloomer bread, heavily buttered and served with homemade marmalade.
  2. 4 to visit houses (v.)
    C1 Advanced British English

    to go from house to house to sell things or ask for support.

    to visit households in succession for the purpose of canvassing, soliciting donations, or sales.

    Example

    The local politician spent the weekend doorstepping residents to hear their concerns.

    Example

    Charity volunteers spent the afternoon doorstepping the affluent suburbs, hoping to secure monthly pledges for the new community centre.
  3. 5 to corner for an interview (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to wait outside someone's house to get an unexpected interview.

    to wait outside a person's home or place of work to obtain an unsolicited interview or statement.

    Example

    Reporters tried to doorstep the minister as he left his home this morning.

    Example

    The tabloid was criticised for doorstepping the grieving family only hours after the news of the accident had broken.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of investigative journalism.
Origin

From door + step.

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