door
UK: dɔː | US: dɔːr
n. a movable barrier used to open or close an entrance
n. a metaphorical gateway or opportunity
n. the entrance to a building or room
The word "door" traces back to Old English duru or dor, derived from Proto-Germanic durz, and further from Proto-Indo-European dʰwer-, meaning "doorway" or "gate." This root is shared across many Indo-European languages (e.g., Latin fores, Greek thura). The word has retained its core meaning of a physical entrance barrier while also expanding metaphorically (e.g., "door to success"). Its simplicity and ancient lineage classify it as a non-splittable monomorphic word.
She knocked on the door before entering.
The door creaked loudly in the silent hallway.
Education opens the door to countless opportunities.
He painted the front door bright red.
Please close the door behind you.