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doorbell

/ˌdɔərˈbɛl/
/ˈdɔbɛl/
IPA guide

Other forms: doorbells

A doorbell is a signal that a visitor can use to let you know they're at your door. Most doorbells have a small button that rings a bell inside the house when it's pushed.

Your doorbell might emit a long chiming ring, even playing part of a song, or it may make a harsh buzzing sound. Doorbells tend to be louder than a simple knock on the door, and often they can be heard throughout a house or apartment. The very first doorbells were developed by the Scottish inventor William Murdock in the early 19th century.

Definitions of doorbell
  1. noun
    a push button at an outer door that gives a ringing or buzzing signal when pushed
    synonyms: bell, buzzer
    see moresee less
    types:
    night bell
    a doorbell to be used at night
    type of:
    button, push, push button
    an electrical switch operated by pressing
Pronunciation
US
/ˌdɔərˈbɛl/
UK
/ˈdɔbɛl/
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