noun Uncommon

lockdown

LOK-down

Lockdown (noun) means a period in which people are required to stay in a confined place or area, usually for safety during an emergency. Example: “The school went into lockdown after reports of an intruder.”

noun

A period in which people are required to stay in a confined place or area, usually for safety during an emergency.

"The school went into lockdown after reports of an intruder."

"Many people took up baking during the pandemic lockdown."

How to use lockdown

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA restriction confining people to a building or area for safety, whether in a prison, school, or wider public health emergency.

Common pairings

go into lockdown pandemic lockdown school lockdown

Word forms

lockdowns plural

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The school went into _____ after reports of an intruder.

Etymology

A noun formed from the phrasal verb "lock down".

Frequently asked questions

What does “lockdown” mean?

The word “lockdown” means a period in which people are required to stay in a confined place or area, usually for safety during an emergency. In plain terms, a restriction confining people to a building or area for safety, whether in a prison, school, or wider public health emergency.

How do you pronounce “lockdown”?

“Lockdown” is pronounced LOK-down (/ˈlɑkˌdaʊn/ in IPA).

How do you use “lockdown” in a sentence?

Here is “lockdown” used in a sentence: “The school went into lockdown after reports of an intruder.”

What part of speech is “lockdown”?

“Lockdown” is a noun.

Is “lockdown” a common word?

“Lockdown” is an uncommon word in modern English.