door-knocker

IPA/ˈdɔː nɒkə(r)/
IPA/ˈdɔːr nɑːkər/

door-knocker — noun

1. a metal piece fixed on the front of a door that someone lifts or strikes so the

1.nounB2
Definition

a metal piece fixed on the front of a door that someone lifts or strikes so the people inside know a visitor is there.

Example

Rachel lifted the brass door-knocker twice when the bell stopped working.

lift the door-knocker when no bell works

At the guesthouse in Tainan, Mateo tapped the door-knocker and waited in the rain.

tap the door-knocker to get attention

Common collocations
  • brass door-knocker
  • lift the door-knocker
  • tap the door-knocker
  • lion-shaped door-knocker
Synonyms
  • knocker

    shorter form used when the door context is already clear

Antonyms
  • doorbell

    an electronic or mechanical device you press or ring instead of knocking

Grammar Patterns

lift/tap/use + a door-knocker

a ... door-knocker on the door

Usage Note

Usually refers to the metal piece on the outside of a front door, especially on older houses or decorative entrance doors. In modern homes, it often contrasts with a doorbell or intercom.

Common Mistakes

I rang the door-knocker outside the flat.
I used the door-knocker outside the flat.
you knock with it; you do not ring it like a bell.

Common collocations

Nouns

  • brass door-knocker
  • lion-shaped door-knocker

Verbs

Phrases

  • lift the door-knocker
  • tap the door-knocker

Adjectives

Etymology

English

This compound joins door with knocker, meaning the piece used to strike a door before electric bells became common.