🚪
Door
dɔːr
Definitions
1
Objects · Buildings
Common
A hinged, sliding, or revolving barrier at the entrance to a building, room, or vehicle. Used to represent literal doors or metaphorical entrances/exits.
Often used when discussing home, travel, or transitions between physical or metaphorical spaces.
Finally got the keys to my new apartment! Can't wait to walk through that 🚪 tomorrow!
Social media post
When one 🚪 closes, another opens.
Motivational message
Beyond its literal meaning, doors symbolize opportunities, transitions, and new beginnings across many cultures.
2
Metaphorical · Opportunity
Uncommon
A symbolic representation of opportunity, transition, or a gateway to new possibilities. Used in motivational or philosophical contexts.
Frequently paired with other emojis to emphasize transitions or life changes.
This job interview could open so many 🚪 for my career!
Personal message
The door as metaphor for opportunity or change is common across many English-speaking cultures.
Cultural Context
In Western cultures, doors symbolize privacy boundaries, with closed doors indicating a desire for solitude or confidentiality.
Regional Variations
United States
Often used in contexts related to home ownership, which has particular cultural significance in American society.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Typically used literally when discussing home improvements or in straightforward communications about arrivals/departures.
Gen_Z: Used literally or in memes about awkward exits. Sometimes in phrases like 'showing someone the door' in online arguments.
Older: Used sparingly and primarily in literal contexts about physical doors or home-related messages.
Millennials: Often used when discussing home ownership milestones or in metaphorical contexts about career opportunities.
Common Combinations
🚪🔑
Getting keys to a new home or property; gaining access.
Often used when celebrating home ownership or moving into a new place.
🚪🏃
Leaving quickly; rushing out; making an exit.
Used humorously to indicate a hasty departure or avoiding a situation.
🚪🔒
Security, privacy, or being locked out.
Used when discussing home security or being unable to access something.