0 a bell, operated by a button on or next to the door of a house, that you push to tell the people inside that you are there
1 an electrical device with a button near the outside door of a house or apartment that makes a noise when pressed, to let the people inside know someone is there:
He had scarcely picked up his brush before the doorbell rang once more.
He was on his way to the telephone when the doorbell buzzed.
The loud ring of the doorbell caused her to break off abruptly the sentence she had begun.
The most common reasons given for hurrying were to answer the telephone or doorbell, prompted by a concern that callers will not wait.
Telephone ringing can be converted to a flashing light and doorbells can also incorporate a flashing light to attract the patient's attention.
The doorbell and phone are complemented by very frequent breaks for adverts.
