doorkeeper
gb/dˈɔɹkˌipɚ/ us/dˈɔɹkˌipɚ/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
role
1
person who controls entry
a person whose job is to check who can enter a building
Usage pattern:
the doorkeeper at [place]
Common mistake:
Learners may write it as two words (*door keeper*) or confuse it with *goalkeeper*.
Synonyms
doorman (More common, especially for hotels and apartment buildings.)
|
porter (Common in British English; can also include carrying luggage.)
|
attendant (More general; not specifically at a door.)
Antonyms
intruder (A person who enters without permission, opposite of someone enforcing entry rules.)
Collocations
a doorkeeper at the entrance
|the doorkeeper of the building
|a uniformed doorkeeper
|the doorkeeper checked IDs
|ask the doorkeeper
|the doorkeeper let us in
|a hotel doorkeeper
|a theater doorkeeper
|the doorkeeper greeted guests
|the doorkeeper refused entry
Themes
work
|buildings
|security
|service
Examples
- The doorkeeper asked to see our tickets before letting us into the theater.
- A doorkeeper stood by the main entrance and greeted everyone who arrived.
- The doorkeeper refused entry to anyone who wasn’t on the guest list.
Learner examples
- The doorkeeper opened the door for me.
- Ask the doorkeeper where the office is.
Noun
formal
C1
role
2
official at an assembly door
an official who controls the doors in a government or formal meeting
Usage pattern:
the doorkeeper of [institution]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with a hotel/apartment doorman.
Synonyms
usher (Often guides people to seats; not always responsible for controlling entry.)
|
attendant (General term; less specific to formal bodies.)
Collocations
the doorkeeper of the chamber
|the chief doorkeeper
|a parliamentary doorkeeper
|the doorkeeper admitted members
|the doorkeeper kept order
|the doorkeeper delivered messages
|the doorkeeper announced visitors
|the doorkeeper escorted someone out
Themes
government
|law
|work
Examples
- The doorkeeper informed the members that the vote was about to begin.
- A doorkeeper stood outside the chamber and admitted only authorized staff.
- The doorkeeper escorted the press to the designated area.
Learner examples
- The doorkeeper let the members into the room.
Noun
C1
role
3
person who controls access
someone who can allow or stop access to something
Usage pattern:
a doorkeeper to [something]
Common mistake:
This figurative use is often better expressed as *gatekeeper* in modern English.
Synonyms
gatekeeper (The more common modern word for someone who controls access in a figurative sense.)
|
broker (Emphasizes arranging access or connections, not simply controlling them.)
Antonyms
advocate (Someone who helps others gain access rather than restricting it.)
Collocations
a doorkeeper to success
|a doorkeeper to opportunity
|a doorkeeper to the industry
|the doorkeeper of information
|the doorkeeper of access
Themes
business
|society
|communication
Examples
- In many companies, an executive assistant can be the doorkeeper to the CEO’s calendar.
- Editors can act as doorkeepers, deciding which stories reach the public.
Learner examples
- He became a doorkeeper to new opportunities.
Grammar
Dictionary form
doorkeeper
IPA
GB/dˈɔɹkˌipɚ/
US/dˈɔɹkˌipɚ/
Syllables & stress
door - keep - er (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (door)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: doorkeeper
- Plural: doorkeepers
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.