doorbell: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, slightly informal. Common in everyday conversation and writing.
Quick answer
What does “doorbell” mean?
A button or switch, typically located near a door, which is pressed to produce a sound (usually a bell, buzzer, or chime) inside a building, signaling that someone is at the door.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A button or switch, typically located near a door, which is pressed to produce a sound (usually a bell, buzzer, or chime) inside a building, signaling that someone is at the door.
The sound made by such a device. In a technological context, can also refer to a smart electronic device with audio/video functionality and internet connectivity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Minor potential differences in the typical sound (e.g., UK 'ding-dong' vs US 'ding-dong' or 'chime'), but this is not fixed.
Connotations
Identical. Connotes arrival, visitors, or deliveries.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “doorbell” in a Sentence
ring the doorbellpress the doorbellanswer the doorbellthe doorbell rang/soundedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doorbell” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll just have to doorbell the whole street to find a witness.
- He doorbelled every flat in the building.
American English
- Campaign volunteers will doorbell the neighborhood this weekend.
- I doorbelled them but got no answer.
adverb
British English
- (Nonexistent)
American English
- (Nonexistent)
adjective
British English
- (Rare, usually attributive noun) The doorbell chime was broken.
- She heard a doorbell sound.
American English
- (Rare, usually attributive noun) The doorbell camera caught the delivery.
- We need a new doorbell button.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts of home services, security, or delivery logistics (e.g., 'smart doorbell installation').
Academic
Very rare, except in sociological or historical studies of domestic technology.
Everyday
Very common. The primary context for discussing arrivals, deliveries, and home security.
Technical
Used in electronics, home automation, and security system specifications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doorbell”
- Using 'call the doorbell' (incorrect) instead of 'ring/press the doorbell'. Using as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'I doorbelled him' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, compound word: 'doorbell'.
Informally, yes, especially in political or sales canvassing contexts (e.g., 'to doorbell a neighborhood'), but it is less common than the noun. In everyday speech, 'ring the doorbell' or 'press the doorbell' is standard.
A 'doorbell' is a general term. A 'buzzer' specifically makes a harsh, buzzing sound, often in flats/apartments or commercial buildings. 'Buzzer' can also be used to refer to the button/intercom panel at the entrance to such a building.
A smart doorbell is a video doorbell connected to the internet. It typically has a camera, microphone, and speaker, allowing you to see, hear, and speak to visitors remotely via a smartphone app, and often includes motion detection and video recording.
A button or switch, typically located near a door, which is pressed to produce a sound (usually a bell, buzzer, or chime) inside a building, signaling that someone is at the door.
Doorbell is usually neutral, slightly informal. common in everyday conversation and writing. in register.
Doorbell: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɔː.bel/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːr.bel/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Ring every doorbell (figurative)] - to try every possible method or contact.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DOOR + BELL. A BELL on your DOOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DOORBELL IS AN ATTENTION-SEEKER (It demands a response). A DOORBELL IS A MESSENGER (It announces presence).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common and natural collocation with 'doorbell'?