doorman
UK: ˈdɔːmən | US: ˈdɔːrmən
n. a person employed to control entry to a building, hotel, or other establishment
n. (historical) a servant stationed at the entrance of a household
The word "doorman" is a straightforward compound of "door" (from Old English "duru," meaning an entryway) and "man" (from Old English "mann," meaning a person). It emerged in the early 19th century to describe a person stationed at a door to monitor access, reflecting the societal need for controlled entry in urban buildings. The term retains its literal meaning but carries connotations of hospitality or security in modern usage.
The doorman greeted guests with a polite nod as they entered the hotel.
She tipped the doorman for helping with her luggage.
In historic mansions, the doorman was often a symbol of the household’s prestige.
The doorman checked IDs before allowing entry to the nightclub.
He worked as a doorman at the theater for over a decade.