doorkeeper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, historical, biblical, institutional
Quick answer
What does “doorkeeper” mean?
A person whose job is to guard, control, or monitor entrance to a building or room.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person whose job is to guard, control, or monitor entrance to a building or room.
A guardian or custodian of a gateway or threshold, both literally and metaphorically; can refer to someone in an official position controlling access (e.g., to information, an organization).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, but "doorkeeper" is slightly more likely to be encountered in British English in historical or institutional contexts. In both varieties, it's a less common, more formal term.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes formality, tradition, and sometimes a lower-status or menial position, though with dignity. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Low frequency in both. More common synonyms like "porter," "concierge," "gatekeeper," or "security guard" are used in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “doorkeeper” in a Sentence
doorkeeper of [place/organisation]doorkeeper at [place]doorkeeper to [metaphorical gateway]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically for a 'gatekeeper' controlling access to a senior executive.
Academic
Used in historical, religious, or architectural studies to describe a specific role.
Everyday
Very rare. 'Porter', 'concierge', or 'security' are used instead.
Technical
Not a technical term in most fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “doorkeeper”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “doorkeeper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doorkeeper”
- Using it for a modern 'bouncer' at a nightclub (too informal). Confusing it with 'doorman' (which can be more general and modern).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'doorman' is a more general, modern term for someone who holds open doors, assists with luggage, and may provide security, often at hotels or apartment buildings. A 'doorkeeper' is more formal, historical, and specifically implies controlling access or guarding an entrance.
No, it is largely archaic as an official job title. Modern equivalents are 'concierge', 'porter', 'security officer', 'commissionaire', or 'gatekeeper' (often metaphorical).
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically to describe someone who controls access to information, resources, or people in power (e.g., 'a doorkeeper to the CEO'). This usage aligns with the more common term 'gatekeeper'.
The phrase "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God..." from Psalm 84:10 is one of the most well-known uses of the word, emphasizing humility and devotion over worldly status.
A person whose job is to guard, control, or monitor entrance to a building or room.
Doorkeeper is usually formal, historical, biblical, institutional in register.
Doorkeeper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːˌkiːpə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːrˌkiːpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. (Biblical Psalm 84:10)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a KEEPER who guards a DOOR. The word is a simple compound, making its meaning clear.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCESS IS A PHYSICAL GATEWAY / CONTROL IS GUARDING A DOOR. A doorkeeper is the literal embodiment of controlling who or what passes through a boundary.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'doorkeeper' LEAST likely to be used?