English · Word Candidate

doorstep

/ˈdɔː(ɹ)stɛp/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: doorsteps · doorstepping · doorstepped

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An outside step leading up to the door of a building, usually a home.

Noun

Examples

Ailie was standing by the doorstep as he came down the road, and her heart stood still with joy.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

One's immediate neighbourhood or locality.

Noun

Examples

They want to build the prison right on our doorstep; it will only be half a mile away and being that close scares me.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To visit one household after another to solicit sales, charitable donations, political support, etc.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To corner somebody for an unexpected interview.

Verb

Examples

Throughout her time in journalism, she doorstepped politicians, the child of a politician, crime victims, armed robbers, murderers, suspected murderers...

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “doorstep” mean?

An outside step leading up to the door of a building, usually a home.

Is “doorstep” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.