doorknock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, occasionally neutral in specific contexts (e.g., political, marketing).
Quick answer
What does “doorknock” mean?
The action of knocking on someone's door.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of knocking on someone's door.
1. A method of making direct personal contact, typically for campaigning, canvassing, or charity fundraising by visiting residences. 2. The sound made by such an action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the activity is more commonly termed 'canvassing' or 'door-knocking'. In the US, 'canvassing' or 'door-to-door' is standard; 'doorknock' as a noun is rare. In Australian and New Zealand English, 'doorknock' is a well-established noun and verb for charity fundraising (e.g., 'the annual doorknock appeal').
Connotations
UK/US: Often associated with political campaigning or sales. AU/NZ: Strongly associated with community charity drives (e.g., the Royal Blind Society doorknock).
Frequency
Highest frequency in Australian/NZ English. Low frequency in US/UK English, where it may be perceived as a colloquialism.
Grammar
How to Use “doorknock” in a Sentence
[Someone] conducted a doorknock (in [area]).[Organization] is doorknocking [neighbourhood].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doorknock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We plan to doorknock the entire estate before the election.
American English
- The campaign doorknocked key swing districts. (Less common, 'canvassed' is standard)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might refer to direct sales or market research methods.
Academic
Very rare outside of sociological studies of political or charitable methods.
Everyday
Used in communities familiar with charity door-knocking appeals.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “doorknock”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “doorknock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doorknock”
- Using 'doorknock' as the standard term in US/UK English instead of 'canvassing'. Confusing with 'doorknob' (the handle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as one word (doorknock), especially as a noun. The verb form can sometimes be hyphenated (door-knock).
'Canvassing' is the broader, more standard term. 'Doorknock' often implies the specific action of knocking on doors and is strongly associated with charity fundraising in certain regions.
Yes, particularly in Australian, New Zealand, and sometimes UK usage (e.g., 'to doorknock a neighbourhood'). In the US, 'to canvass' is preferred.
It's understood but non-standard and informal. 'Canvasser', 'volunteer', or 'fundraiser' are more common terms for the person.
The action of knocking on someone's door.
Doorknock is usually informal, occasionally neutral in specific contexts (e.g., political, marketing). in register.
Doorknock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɔː.nɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːr.nɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As regular as the annual doorknock.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DOOR and the KNOCK sound it makes when someone visits for a charity appeal.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTACT IS PHYSICAL PROXIMITY (reaching out by physically reaching the door).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the noun 'doorknock' most commonly and formally used for an organized activity?