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airlock

British  
/ ˈɛəˌlɒk /

noun

  1. a bubble in a pipe causing an obstruction or stoppage to the flow

  2. an airtight chamber with regulated air pressure used to gain access to a space that has air under pressure

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Some areas looked pixelated on the Chromebook, and on the Air I noticed details, like the leaves of a fern or rust on an airlock door, that weren’t as clear on the others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

Once the external gate of the airlock had opened, it was reported the taxi drove off down the road past reporters.

From BBC • Aug. 21, 2025

Due to the lack of an airlock on the Crew Dragon, the 13-foot-wide capsule will be depressurized and exposed to space during the walk.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2024

A 3-liter glass jar with an airlock lid and ceramic weights will allow you to ferment small quantities of vegetables.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 13, 2023

Beck, Johanssen, and Vogel squeezed into the MAV airlock.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir