Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large-headed nail: A doornail is a type of nail with a very large, often decorative, head, historically used in the construction and ornamentation of doors.

Usage

• The primary modern use of "doornail" is almost exclusively in the fixed idiomatic expression "dead as a doornail." The word itself is rarely used in contemporary language outside of this idiom to refer to the actual object.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old door was studded with rusty doornails.
  • Historians found that the medieval door was fastened with hand-forged doornails.

Advanced Usage

• "dead as a doornail": Completely and unquestionably dead; devoid of life or function.

  • After the power surge, my computer is dead as a doornail.
  • The battery in the old toy is as dead as a doornail.

• "deaf as a doornail" (less common): Completely deaf; unwilling to listen.

  • I've shouted three times, but he's deaf as a doornail.

Variants and Related Words

• Nail (n): A small metal spike with a broadened flat head, used to join things together or as a hook. (This is the general category to which a doornail belongs).

Synonyms

• Stud (n): A short, thick-headed nail or knob used for decoration.
• Boss (n): A stud or knob, especially one on a shield or for ornament.

Related Idioms

• "dead as a doornail": This is the most significant idiom featuring this word. Its origin is debated but may relate to the idea that a doornail, being heavily clinched or hammered on the inside of a door, was "dead" (i.e., could not be reused).

Noun

1. a nail with a large head; formerly used to decorate doors