Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hinged device for knocking on a door: A doorknocker is a piece of hardware, typically made of metal and often decorative, that is attached to the outside of a door by a hinge. It is used by visitors to announce their presence by lifting and releasing it to strike against a plate or the door itself.

Usage

• The primary function of a is to serve as a doorbell or alerting mechanism before electric doorbells became common.
• It is a fixed, permanent fixture on a door, unlike a handheld knocker.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old mansion had a heavy brass doorknocker in the shape of a lion's head.
  • She lifted the doorknocker and let it fall, creating a loud bang against the door.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a doorknocker": to possess or feature this specific type of door hardware.
  • The historic homes in the district all have original, ornate doorknockers.

Variants and Related Words

• Knocker (n): A common, shorter synonym for .
  • He rapped on the door using the heavy iron knocker.
• Door knocker (n): An alternative spelling as two separate words with the same meaning.

Synonyms

• Knocker: The most direct synonym.
• Rapper: A less common, archaic term for a door knocker.

Related Phrases

• "as deaf as a doorknocker" (Idiom, informal/variant of "as deaf as a doornail"): An expression meaning completely deaf or unhearing.
  • He can't hear you; he's as deaf as a doorknocker.

Noun

1. a device (usually metal and ornamental) attached by a hinge to a door