English Reference
noun

doorway

n.
US /ˈdɔɹˌweɪ/ UK /dˈɔːweɪ/ door·way UK spelling doorway's, doorway's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    the opening in a wall where a door is, or the space you walk through to enter a room.

    the physical aperture in a wall designed for a door; the entranceway to a room or building.

    Simple

    He stood in the doorway for a moment before deciding to come inside.

    In context

    The tall man had to duck slightly as he passed through the narrow doorway of the old cottage.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a way to start something new or reach a new opportunity.

    a metaphorical opening or means of access to a new state, condition, or opportunity.

    Simple

    This internship could be a doorway to a great career in fashion.

    In context

    The new trade agreement served as a doorway to unprecedented economic cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.


From door + way.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated