lock
noun
a device for securing a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like in position when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc.
locked
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past participleof lock.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof lock.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
locknouna device for securing a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like in position when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc.
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.
Before entering 10C, everyone’s phones are locked away in a phone pouch that can be opened only by courthouse staff.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026
The embryos do not remain locked into this right-handed arrangement throughout development.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 1, 2026
Those powers would block foreign prisoners from ever returning to the country while "keeping those in prison for the most serious crimes locked up for a substantial period before they are removed".
From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026
By pairing hardware and software, Nvidia locked in customers and grew to be a company valued at trillions of dollars.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 29, 2026
When news spread through the hills that a mad animal was prowling, windows and doors were locked.
From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls
