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doorbell

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /dˈɔːbɛl/

US

  • /ˈdɔrˌbɛl/

Description

Imagine you're waiting for a package, or your best friend is coming over for tea. Suddenly, ding-dong! That sound tells you someone is outside. A doorbell is the small device near a door that lets a visitor announce that they have arrived.

In the past, these were often simple mechanical bells. Today, most are electronic, and some even include a camera or speaker. You ring it so the person inside knows you are there. If it does not work, a guest may wait outside for a long time, and a delivery may be missed.

Examples

  1. 1

    Everyday interruption

    Someone rang the doorbell just as we sat down to eat.

  2. 2

    Missed sound

    I didn't hear the doorbell because I was upstairs.

  3. 3

    Household request

    Can you answer the doorbell? My hands are full.

  4. 4

    Prank

    The kids thought it was funny to press the doorbell and run away.

  5. 5

    Home technology

    We installed a video doorbell so we can see who is outside.

    • Meaning

      video doorbell

      a doorbell with a camera

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • doorbellnoun

Forms

  • doorbellspluralnoun