Doorman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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doorman
[ˈdɔːrmən ]
Definitions
at hotel entrance
A doorman is a person whose job is to stand at the entrance of a building, especially a hotel, and help people by opening doors for them.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| doorman |
A doorman works at the entrance of a building, greeting guests and maintaining security. These professionals are usually found in hotels, apartment buildings, and office complexes.
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| porter |
A porter carries luggage for travelers and might be found at hotels, airports, train stations, or similar places. The term can also refer to a person who performs various support tasks in hospitals.
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| bellhop |
A bellhop is typically employed by hotels to assist guests with their luggage and provide other services, such as escorting them to their rooms.
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Examples of usage
- The doorman greeted the guests as they arrived at the hotel.
- The doorman helped the elderly lady with her luggage.
at apartment building
A doorman is a person employed to look after the entrance of a large building, such as an apartment block, and may also help residents with various tasks.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| doorman |
Usually used in residential buildings or hotels to describe a person who opens the door and assists guests or residents.
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| concierge |
Commonly refers to a person in a hotel or residential building who provides various services to guests, such as making restaurant reservations, arranging transportation, or recommending local attractions.
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| gatekeeper |
Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe someone who controls access to something or someone, but can also refer to a person who monitors and manages entry at a gate, usually in a more secure or controlled environment.
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Examples of usage
- The doorman received a package on behalf of the tenant.
- The doorman helped the residents with their groceries.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Doormen are often seen in movies and television series, representing luxury living and sophisticated city life.
- Many people connect doormen with a sense of safety and welcome, especially in bustling metropolitan areas.
Job Description
- Doormen not only provide assistance, but they also often monitor who enters and leaves the building, adding to security.
- In addition to opening doors, they may help with luggage, greet visitors, and take care of packages for residents.
Historical Context
- The profession emerged prominently in the late 19th century as urbanization increased and affluent buildings required doorkeepers.
- Originally, doormen were often employed to maintain order and were sometimes referred to as bellboys or porters.
Modern Day
- Today, doormen can often be found in luxury apartment buildings, hotels, and offices, serving as the first point of contact.
- There are even instances of doormen using technology like intercom systems to manage building security and communication.
Origin of 'doorman'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'door,' which comes from Old English 'duru,' and 'man,' originating from Old English 'mann,' meaning a person.
- The term has been around since the early 19th century, gaining popularity in urban settings with the rise of apartment buildings.
The term 'doorman' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'door' and 'man'. It was initially used to refer to a person employed to attend the main entrance of a building. Over time, the role of a doorman evolved to include various customer service tasks, especially in the hospitality industry.
See also: door, doorkeeper, doormat, doorway, indoor, indoors, outdoor, outdoors.