lock
lok
Lock (noun) means a device that fastens something shut, opened only with a key, code, or similar means. Example: “She changed the lock on the front door after losing her keys.”
noun
1
A device that fastens something shut, opened only with a key, code, or similar means.
"She changed the lock on the front door after losing her keys."
"The lock on the old garden gate is so rusty that the key barely turns."
"Every locker at the swimming pool has a small lock that takes a coin."
2
A section of a canal enclosed by gates, used to raise or lower boats between different water levels.
"The narrowboat waited its turn to pass through the lock."
"We helped the lock keeper open the gates so the boat could drop down."
"It takes about ten minutes for a lock to fill with water."
3
A strand or tuft of hair.
"A lock of hair fell across her face."
"She kept a lock of her baby's hair in a small envelope."
"He brushed a stray lock of grey hair from his forehead."
verb
1
To fasten something with a lock, or to become fixed in place.
"Remember to lock the car before you leave."
"The wheels locked up when he slammed on the brakes."
"Please lock the back door when you go up to bed."
How to use lock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fastening device (or the act of fastening something), a water-level chamber on a canal, or a strand of hair.
Common pairings
lock the door
under lock and key
canal lock
a lock of hair
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Word forms
- Plural
- locks
- Third person singular
- locks
- Past tense
- locked, locken
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She changed the _____ on the front door after losing her keys.
Etymology
From Old English loc, "a fastening or enclosure", from a root meaning "to bend or turn".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for lock
See all rhymes for lock →Frequently asked questions
What does “lock” mean?
The word “lock” means a device that fastens something shut, opened only with a key, code, or similar means. In plain terms, a fastening device (or the act of fastening something), a water-level chamber on a canal, or a strand of hair.
How do you pronounce “lock”?
“Lock” is pronounced lok (/lɑk/ in IPA).
How do you use “lock” in a sentence?
Here is “lock” used in a sentence: “She changed the lock on the front door after losing her keys.”
What part of speech is “lock”?
Depending on how it is used, “lock” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lock” come from?
The word “lock” comes from Old English. From Old English loc, "a fastening or enclosure", from a root meaning "to bend or turn".
Is “lock” a common word?
“Lock” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “lock” have?
“Lock” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device that fastens something shut, opened only with a key, code, or similar means.
What is the difference between a lock and a latch?
A lock fastens something shut and needs a key, code, or similar means to open, providing security. A latch simply holds a door or gate closed and can usually be opened by hand, without any key. So a latch keeps something shut for convenience, while a lock keeps it secured against unwanted entry.
What are the types of locks?
Common kinds include padlocks, deadbolts, mortice locks, cylinder or Yale-style locks, combination locks that open with a code, and modern electronic or smart locks controlled by keypad, card, or phone. They all share the same job: fastening something shut so it can only be opened by the right key, code, or authorised means.
What is the opposite of a lock?
As a device, a lock has no exact single opposite, but a key is its natural counterpart, since it releases what the lock secures. In terms of action, to unlock or open is the reverse of locking. A lock closes and secures; unlocking frees it so the thing can be opened again.
What is an example of a lock?
A padlock on a shed, a deadbolt on a front door, and a combination lock on a locker are all everyday examples. Each is a device that fastens something shut and can only be released with the correct key, code, or similar means, keeping the contents secure.
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