locksmith
Americannoun
-
locksmiths
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of locksmith
1200–50; Middle English loksmith (first attested as surname). See lock 1, smith
Explanation
If your job is installing locks on people's houses and fixing their broken locks, you can call yourself a locksmith. A locksmith knows all about locks; she makes them, puts them on doors, and repairs them. If you've ever locked yourself out of your house, the person to call for help is a locksmith. When you need a new copy of your apartment key, you can also visit a locksmith. The word comes from lock and smith, from the Old English smið, "one who works with metal."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
After consulting a supervisor, the staff member told them the situation did not meet the threshold for a police response and suggested they consider contacting a locksmith.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
BBC News has previously reported on "bait-and-switch" locksmith scams, where customers were given an initial cheap quote before hidden charges and unnecessary work were added.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
When a property is clearly abandoned, Thogmartin has the authority to hire a locksmith to allow for a full inspection by potential bidders.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026
On a recent wintry night, Nodler was excited to spot two familiar guests at a table enjoying chicken schnitzel and homemade milk bread: the butcher shop owner and town locksmith.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 27, 2026
It is just like the locksmith to repeat himself.
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
By determining protein structure, scientists can create blueprints that guide development of more effective medications, much like locksmiths designing keys to fit into specific locks.
From Science Daily ● May 15, 2024
“They also turned off the internet, shut off security cameras, and proceeded to have locksmiths begin changing all door locks at the hotel,” the MOM CA group says in the lawsuit.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2023
Among those mentioned: accountants, architects, counselors, dental hygienists, court reporters, locksmiths, morticians, midwives, plumbers and therapists.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 16, 2022
For detailed advice, including ratings of home-security system installers and locksmiths, visit www.checkbook.org/seattletimes/homesecurity.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 29, 2017
A., B., and some others of an indefatigable zeal, had the divisional bureaux opened by locksmiths in the presence of the commissaries of the quarter, and installed well-meaning citizens, whose apprenticeship they superintended.
From History of the Commune of 1871 by P. Lissagary
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