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a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like in position when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc.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a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like in position when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc.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.
Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said "many airlines have navigated this year's oil price spike thanks to forward hedging, having locked in large swathes of fuel costs before the Iran war".
From Barron's ● Nov. 2, 2026
But the Dutchman locked up into the hairpin in the stadium section and ruined his lap.
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
During a wine grape strike in the Central Valley, Huerta and other UFW women once locked arms in a human blockade between the union’s male picketers and replacement workers wielding two-by-fours.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026
About the only major market where Chinese automakers aren’t causing upheaval is the U.S., where tariffs and restrictions on Chinese vehicle technology have all but locked out the country’s automakers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026
Anyway, the captain, he kept all the good food and drink locked up for himself while the crew half starved.
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
