door prize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, formal (in event planning contexts)
Quick answer
What does “door prize” mean?
A prize given away at a social event, such as a party, meeting, or raffle, to an attendee whose ticket or number is drawn.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A prize given away at a social event, such as a party, meeting, or raffle, to an attendee whose ticket or number is drawn.
A prize awarded by chance to a participant at an event, often used as an incentive for attendance or to add excitement to a gathering. The term can also refer broadly to any prize given away in a similar manner, not necessarily requiring a physical 'door'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically. No significant spelling, meaning, or usage variation exists.
Connotations
Connotations are neutral in both, associated with fun, community events, and minor giveaways. It is not typically used for high-value awards.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English due to the prevalence of such events in church, school, and community fundraising contexts, but the term is fully understood and used in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “door prize” in a Sentence
[Event/Organisation] is offering a door prize.They gave away a door prize at [Event].The door prize was won by [Person].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “door prize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The organisers will door-prize a bottle of champagne at the interval. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- They're going to door-prize a gift basket. (rare, non-standard)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used at conferences, trade shows, or corporate events to encourage attendance or engagement at booths.
Academic
Rare. Might be used at university society events or departmental open days.
Everyday
Common at community fairs, church bazaars, club meetings, birthday parties, and wedding receptions.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “door prize”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “door prize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “door prize”
- Writing it as 'doorprice' (should be two words).
- Using it for a prize won in a competition requiring skill.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. A door prize is a type of raffle prize, but it is specifically tied to attendance at an event. All door prizes are raffle prizes, but not all raffle prizes are door prizes (e.g., a nationwide lottery prize).
Typically, yes. The convention for most door prizes is that the winner must be present at the time of the draw to claim the prize, which encourages people to stay for the entire event.
A 'giveaway' is a broader term for any free item distributed. A 'door prize' is a specific type of giveaway that involves an element of chance (a draw) and is usually given to one or a few attendees, not to everyone.
Yes, by extension. In virtual webinars or meetings, organisers might have a 'digital door prize' for attendees, awarded through a random draw from the list of participants.
A prize given away at a social event, such as a party, meeting, or raffle, to an attendee whose ticket or number is drawn.
Door prize is usually informal, formal (in event planning contexts) in register.
Door prize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɔː ˌpraɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔr ˌpraɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't forget to pick up your ticket for the door prize on the way in.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a prize you might win just for walking through the DOOR of an event.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUCK IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT GIVEN AT A THRESHOLD (The 'door' as the threshold to an event where luck/fortune is distributed).
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is 'door prize' MOST appropriately used?