doorman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, slightly formal.
Quick answer
What does “doorman” mean?
A person, especially a uniformed employee, whose job is to stand at the entrance to a building such as a hotel, apartment block, or nightclub, assist people entering and leaving, and provide security.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, especially a uniformed employee, whose job is to stand at the entrance to a building such as a hotel, apartment block, or nightclub, assist people entering and leaving, and provide security.
A person employed to control access to a venue or establishment; historically, a male servant who attended a door.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. In both regions, 'doorman' is common, though 'concierge' is often used for upscale residential buildings (especially US) or hotels (especially UK for guest services). 'Porter' in UK can sometimes overlap but often implies luggage duties.
Connotations
In both, it suggests a professional, often uniformed role. In US luxury contexts, 'door attendant' is a common variant.
Frequency
Common in both varieties. Slightly more common in British English for residential blocks. In US, 'doorman' is strongly associated with major city apartment buildings.
Grammar
How to Use “doorman” in a Sentence
the doorman of [BUILDING][BUILDING] doormandoorman at [LOCATION]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doorman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare except in property management or hospitality services discussions.
Academic
Rare; may appear in sociological studies of labour or urban spaces.
Everyday
Common when referring to staff at apartments, hotels, or exclusive venues.
Technical
Used in hospitality training, security, and property management manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “doorman”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “doorman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doorman”
- Using 'doorman' for a person who makes doors (a door maker or carpenter).
- Using it as a plural without 's' (doormen is plural).
- Confusing with 'bouncer' (more aggressive security, often at bars).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the '-man' suffix is gendered. In modern English, 'door attendant', 'concierge', or simply 'door staff' are preferred gender-neutral alternatives, though 'doorman' remains widely used, especially when referring to a specific male individual in the role.
A doorman primarily controls physical access, assists with doors, luggage, and taxis. A concierge (especially in hotels or luxury apartments) focuses on guest/resident services: booking tickets, making reservations, arranging travel, and providing information. Roles can overlap, especially in smaller establishments.
While 'doorman' is technically masculine, a woman in the role might be referred to as a 'doorwoman' (rare), 'female doorman', or, more commonly, by a gender-neutral title like 'door attendant'. In practice, many simply use 'doorman' for the role generically, even if the individual is female.
The standard plural is 'doormen'. When referring to a mixed-gender or non-specific group, 'door staff' or 'door attendants' is often used.
A person, especially a uniformed employee, whose job is to stand at the entrance to a building such as a hotel, apartment block, or nightclub, assist people entering and leaving, and provide security.
Doorman is usually neutral, slightly formal. in register.
Doorman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːrmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms with 'doorman' as the key word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DOOR + MAN = The MAN at the DOOR.
Conceptual Metaphor
GATEKEEPER (controls access, a point of transition between inside/outside).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely duty of a traditional doorman?