Meaning & use

Lock

noun·Everyday

Last updated

A mechanical device used to fasten a door, container, or vehicle so that it can only be opened with a key, code, or similar means.

See it in a sentence

He turned the key in the lock and pushed the door open.

Make sure to check the lock before you leave the house.

A note on using this word

"Lock" also names a section of a canal enclosed by gates, used to raise or lower boats between different water levels.

Words with a similar meaning

latchbolt

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To fasten something with a lock so that it cannot be opened.

Remember to lock the car before you walk away.

3. noun

A section of a canal or waterway closed off by gates, used to raise or lower boats between different levels.

The barge waited for the lock to fill before continuing upstream.

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