Doorman: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• The doorman greeted us with a smile as we entered the hotel.
• Every morning, the doorman opens the door for the residents.

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.

• We asked the porter at the train station to hold our bags while we got tickets.
• In the hospital, the porter helped transport patients between different departments.

A bellhop is typically employed by hotels to assist guests with their luggage and provide other services, such as escorting them to their rooms.

• The bellhop helped us with our bags and showed us to our room.
• When we arrived, a bellhop quickly came to assist with our luggage.

Usually used in residential buildings or hotels to describe a person who opens the door and assists guests or residents.

• The doorman greeted us with a smile as we entered the hotel.
• She asked the doorman if any packages had arrived for her.

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.

• The concierge helped us book a table at a popular restaurant.
• If you need any tips about what to do in the city, ask the concierge.

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.

• In the world of publishing, editors often act as gatekeepers for new writers.
• The gatekeeper checked our IDs before letting us into the event.