knocker

[ nok-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that knocks.
2. a hinged knob, bar, etc., on a door, for use in knocking.
3. Informal. a persistent and carping critic; faultfinder.
4. Slang: Vulgar. a female breast.

knocker

/ ˈnɒkə /

noun

1. an object, usually ornamental and made of metal, attached to a door by a hinge and used for knocking
2. informal.
   a person who finds fault or disparages
3. slang.
   usually plural a female breast
4. a person or thing that knocks
5. on the knocker informal.
   promptly; at once

   you pay on the knocker here

Word History and Origins

Origin of knocker¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; knock, -er ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the knocker, British Slang. canvassing or selling door-to-door.

Example Sentences

Ms. Haley has the door knockers of Americans For Prosperity Action, a conservative activist group funded from the fortune of Charles and David Koch.

From New York Times

One wall held doors, windows, knockers, and knobs that promised views into other places and times.

From Literature

Nancy used the shiny brass knocker to rap on the door.

From Literature

On a Monday afternoon in October, Les Morones and a crew of three other door knockers hired by the church walked up and down Center Street, talking to anyone who answered the door.

From Los Angeles Times

The ancient wooden doors are adorned with an ornate metal knocker and a small grilled window, for guards to peek through.

From New York Times