doorbell

[ dawr-bel, dohr- ]

/ ˈdɔrˌbɛl, ˈdoʊr- /

a bell chime, or the like, at a door or connected with a door, rung by persons outside wanting someone inside to open the door.

to canvass or solicit from door to door, especially for votes or contributions.

Origin of doorbell

First recorded in 1805–15; door + bell¹

“Upon our arrival I knocked on the front door several times and rang the doorbell with no answer,” Platt would report.

The Teen Love Letters that Led to a Tragic Murder-Suicide in Florida |Michael Daly |March 30, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
During Inside Llewyn Davis you just wish Davis had a warm coat and that someone would answer when he rings on their doorbell.

Why No Oscar Love For 'Inside Llewyn Davis'? |Tim Teeman |January 20, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Deliverymen were asked not to ring the doorbell lest the noise disturb him.

We Already Know What Adam Lanza’s Real Motive Was at Sandy Hook |Michael Daly |November 26, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Doorbell would ring, I would open the door, Luke would come in, we would bow at each other, he would say nothing.

Adam Gopnik: I Didn’t Know What ‘LOL’ Meant |Adam Gopnik |September 3, 2013 |DAILY BEAST

Hearing the doorbell, a hesitant cleaner opened the door a crack to see who it was.

Christians Under Attack |Mike Giglio, Sophia Jones |August 15, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Reaching out with a pink hand, he pressed the doorbell with one well-manicured finger.

Texas Week |Albert Hernhuter
But Betty had not long been alone when the doorbell tinkled and Grace Ford was announced.

The Outdoor Girls at Ocean View |Laura Lee Hope
Link rang his doorbell one morning while he was hunched over his computer, thinking about the story he was going to write.

Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town |Cory Doctorow
When she heard the doorbell, she at once put herself between the sheets of her high poster and covered herself to the chin.

Seaport in Virginia |Gay Montague Moore
But she did not altogether think so, and she rang the doorbell unquailingly.

Lucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1902 to 1903 |Lucy Maud Montgomery