doornail Definition
- 1a large-headed nail used for securing doors, especially on the outside of buildings
- 2a dead person or thing; something lifeless
Using doornail: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "doornail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The doornail was hammered into the door to secure it.
Example
After the accident, the car was as dead as a doornail.
Example
He was so tired that he felt like a doornail.
Example
The old computer is as lifeless as a doornail.
doornail Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with doornail
Example
The plant was as dead as a doornail after being left without water for weeks.
Example
His decision to quit his job was the final nail in his coffin and led to his financial ruin.
Example
After finishing the project, he hung his hat on the door and went home.
Origins of doornail
from Middle English 'dornayl', meaning 'door nail'
Summary: doornail in Brief
The term 'doornail' [dawrn-eyl] refers to a type of large-headed nail used for securing doors, especially on the outside of buildings. It also means a dead person or thing, or something lifeless. The phrase 'dead as a doornail' is commonly used to describe something completely lifeless.
