doorjamb

American

[dawr-jam, dohr-] / ˈdɔrˌdʒæm, ˈdoʊr- /

noun

either of the two sidepieces of a doorframe.

doorjamb British

/ ˈdɔːˌdʒæm /

noun

Also called: doorpost. one of the two vertical members forming the sides of a doorframe

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of doorjamb

First recorded in 1830–40; door + jamb ¹

Compare meaning

How does doorjamb compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

doorjamb vs. doorframe

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But just as I grip the doorjamb, the first bell rings, warning everyone class is about to begin.

From Literature

Then he leans against the doorjamb and looks tired.

From Literature

The other holds him upright against the doorjamb.

From Literature

I scan for the nearest door and see the familiar purple-blue light under a doorjamb in front of me.

From Literature

As I searched for a place to sit my burden, I looked up and saw Mama leaning on the doorjamb to her room.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023