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View synonyms for doorknob

doorknob

[ dawr-nob, dohr- ]

noun

  1. the handle or knob by which a door is opened or closed.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of doorknob1

First recorded in 1840–50; door + knob
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Example Sentences

Traces of the chemical weapon were later discovered on the doorknob of Mr Skripal's home, where police believe it had been planted in a "targeted" attack.

From BBC

It was subsequently discovered that they were suffering from the effects of a chemical which had been left on the doorknob of Mr Skripal's home.

From BBC

There exists something in medicine called the “doorknob phenomenon.”

From Salon

Think of it like cancer leaving a fingerprint on the doorknob of a crime scene.

I step into my slippers and twist my doorknob; it’s not locked anymore.

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More About Doorknob

What is a doorknob?

A doorknob is the knob or handle used to open and close a door.

Doorknobs are common on doors, especially the inside doors of a home, such as the doors of different rooms and closets. These tend to be metal and shaped like a, well, knob—a part that sticks out and has a rounded end. Door handles in other shapes might be called doorknobs, but it’s more likely for them to be called door handles or just handles.

Another difference is that doorknobs typically turn. Door handles can turn, but they can also be fixed in place, like a vertical or horizontal bar.

A doorknob may also have a lock or keyhole to lock the door with.

Example: The mansion was so luxurious that even the doorknobs were made of solid gold.

Where does doorknob come from?

The first records of the term doorknob come from the 1840s. It’s simply a combination of door and knob.

Doorknobs are usually round and jut out from the door to allow for easy grabbing and turning. They’re such a common part of daily life that we often don’t notice them or think about them, but doorknobs are a relatively new development, only becoming common in most homes around the 1800s.

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What are some synonyms for doorknob?

What are some words that share a root or word element with doorknob

 

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How is doorknob used in real life?

Doorknobs are common features of doors, especially in homes.

 

 

Try using doorknob!

Is doorknob used correctly in the following sentence?

I was trapped in the room after the doorknob broke off the door.

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