latch

American  

[lach] / lætʃ /

noun

• latches
  plural

1. a device for holding a door, gate, or the like, closed, consisting basically of a bar falling or sliding into a catch, groove, hole, etc.

2. a breastfeeding baby’s attachment or connection to the mother’s breast.

   A good, deep latch is important because it allows the infant to get enough milk.

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verb (used with object)

1. to close or fasten with a latch.

2. to attach (a breastfeeding baby) to the breast.

   You should know how to properly latch your newborn.

verb (used without object)

1. to close tightly so that the latch is secured.

   The door won't latch.

2. (of a breastfeeding baby) to be or become attached to the breast.

   Failure to latch can be the result of poor positioning of the baby.

verb phrase

1. latch onto

   1. to take possession of; obtain; get.

   2. to acquire understanding of; comprehend.

   3. to attach oneself to; join in with.

      The stray dog latched onto the children and wouldn't go home.

2. latch on

   1. to grab or hold on, as to an object or idea, especially tightly or tenaciously.

   2. to include or add in; attach.

      If we latch the tax on, the bill will come to over $100.

latch British  

/ lætʃ /

noun

1. a fastening for a gate or door that consists of a bar that may be slid or lowered into a groove, hole, etc

2. a spring-loaded door lock that can be opened by a key from outside

3. Also called: latch circuit. electronics a logic circuit that transfers the input states to the output states when signalled, the output thereafter remaining insensitive to changes in input status until signalled again

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verb

1. to fasten, fit, or be fitted with or as if with a latch

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• relatch
  verb (used with object)

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• latches
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of latch

First recorded before 950; Middle English lacchen, Old English lǣccan “to take hold of, catch, seize”; akin to Greek lázesthai “to take”

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Explanation

When you unlock your front door, you open the latch. A latch is a fastener or lock that you open with a key. A latch can usually be opened with a key or by turning a knob or lifting a hook or bar. You can also use the word latch as a verb, like when your mom reminds you to latch the front and back doors before you leave for school in the morning. In some places, the word "latch-key" is used to mean "key." The root of latch is the Germanic word læccan, "to grasp or seize."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

latch latches

They proved you could destroy a problematic protein by bringing a smooth protein closer to an enzyme that helps dispose of cell waste—without needing to latch on to the protein like traditional drugs do.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026

Fast-forward 40 years, it’s impossible to imagine that MacLachlan would have anything else for Other Kyle to latch onto.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026

But why do we latch onto the fears they sell us?

From Salon ● Sep. 16, 2026

Greggs, the UK's largest fast-food chain, has launched a range of new products this year, many of which latch onto trends such as high-protein salads and matcha.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

Finally Oma and Opa retreat to their bedroom and latch the door behind them.

From "The Boy Who Dared" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Nino loses both parents when very young but latches on to his grandfather’s tale that they’re not dead, they’re merely living in peace in a heavenly place, “on the island.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

Tesla’s vehicles primarily use electronic door latches that are opened by pressing a button.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 24, 2025

There are no knobs to be found; doors open with hidden latches and levers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 21, 2025

The recall centres on latches that may not engage properly, which could lead to the doors on Grenadier SUVs opening while being driven "increasing the risk of injury to passengers inside the vehicle."

From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2025

I closed the lid with a satisfying whump and did up the latches and straps.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

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