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
1
A simple fastening for a door or gate, worked by a bar or lever.
"She lifted the latch and pushed the gate open."
verb
1
To fasten or close something with a latch.
"Make sure you latch the door behind you."
2
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 notesIn 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)
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like latch.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- latches
- Third person singular
- latches
- Past tense
- latched, laught
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She lifted the _____ and pushed the gate open.
Etymology
From Old English læċċan, meaning "to grasp or seize".
Synonyms
View more →
door latch
Rhymes for latch
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.
