noun Uncommon

latch

lach

Latch (noun) means a simple fastening for a door or gate, worked by a bar or lever. Example: “She lifted the latch and pushed the gate open.”

noun

A simple fastening for a door or gate, worked by a bar or lever.

"She lifted the latch and pushed the gate open."

verb

To fasten or close something with a latch.

"Make sure you latch the door behind you."

To grab onto or fix firmly onto something, often figuratively.

"The idea latched onto his mind and wouldn't let go."

"The baby latched onto the bottle straight away."

How to use latch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA simple catch that keeps a door shut, or the act of grabbing hold of something.

Common mistake

"Latch onto" (attach firmly to an idea, person, or object) is often used figuratively, not just literally.

Common pairings

lift the latch latch onto an idea a good latch (breastfeeding)

Word forms

latched past tense, laught past tense, latched past tense, latches plural, latches singular, latches singular

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She lifted the _____ and pushed the gate open.

Etymology

From Old English læċċan, meaning "to grasp or seize".

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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door latch

Rhymes for latch

tch etch itch Dutch catch batch pitch bitch watch witch hutch hatch

See all rhymes for latch →

Frequently asked questions

What does “latch” mean?

The word “latch” means a simple fastening for a door or gate, worked by a bar or lever. In plain terms, a simple catch that keeps a door shut, or the act of grabbing hold of something.

How do you pronounce “latch”?

“Latch” is pronounced lach (/læt͡ʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “latch” in a sentence?

Here is “latch” used in a sentence: “She lifted the latch and pushed the gate open.”

What part of speech is “latch”?

Depending on how it is used, “latch” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “latch” come from?

The word “latch” comes from Old English. From Old English læċċan, meaning "to grasp or seize".

Is “latch” a common word?

“Latch” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “latch” have?

“Latch” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a simple fastening for a door or gate, worked by a bar or lever.