combination lock

noun

1. a lock opened by rotating one or more specially marked dials a given number of times through a particular set of positions in a prescribed order and direction.

combination lock

noun

1. a type of lock that can only be opened when a set of dials releasing the tumblers of the lock are turned to show a specific sequence of numbers

Word History and Origins

Origin of combination lock¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

I shifted against him, a combination lock pressed into my back, lockers slamming around us.

From MIT Technology Review

Back in the passage, I slammed the leaded vault door to and threw in the combination lock.

From Project Gutenberg

When they turned the combination lock, he tried to learn the figures and the number of turns they made to the right and left.

From Project Gutenberg

Cortlandt worked the combination lock of the lower entrance, through which they crawled.

From Project Gutenberg

The safe was old and out of order and the captain had had the combination lock made as simple as possible in consequence.

From Project Gutenberg

Two broad bands of silver reinforced it at the back and sides, and a little silver combination lock took the place of the keyhole.

From Project Gutenberg