noun
lockup
Lockup (noun) means a jail cell, or a short spell locked up in one. Example: “He spent the night in the local lockup after the fight.”
noun
1
A jail cell, or a short spell locked up in one.
"He spent the night in the local lockup after the fight."
"The suspect was held in the lockup pending questioning."
2
A small lockable storage unit or garage.
"She keeps the motorbike in a rented lockup near the station."
3
A moment when a vehicle's wheels suddenly stop turning because the brakes have been slammed on, causing a skid.
"The car went into a lockup on the wet road and slid into the barrier."
4
A situation where a computer or system freezes and stops responding.
"The app suffered a lockup and had to be force-quit."
How to use lockup
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA place where someone or something is locked away — a cell, a small garage, or (more loosely) a system freeze or a sudden wheel-skid.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "lockup" (the noun) with the phrasal verb "lock up" (to lock up a building).
Common pairings
thrown in the lockup
rent a lockup
brake lockup
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like lockup.
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
- lockups
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He spent the night in the local _____ after the fight.
Etymology
A deverbal formed from lock up.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for lockup
See all rhymes for lockup →Frequently asked questions
What does “lockup” mean?
The word “lockup” means a jail cell, or a short spell locked up in one. In plain terms, a place where someone or something is locked away — a cell, a small garage, or (more loosely) a system freeze or a sudden wheel-skid.
How do you use “lockup” in a sentence?
Here is “lockup” used in a sentence: “He spent the night in the local lockup after the fight.”
What part of speech is “lockup”?
“Lockup” is a noun.
How many meanings does “lockup” have?
“Lockup” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a jail cell, or a short spell locked up in one.
