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.

Plus, many of those who went under contract last month may have locked in mortgage rates closer to February’s lows than March’s highs.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Higher mortgage rates and housing prices have locked many people out of the market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Upon visiting the day cares, Shirley and his middle-aged male partner, David, discover the centers have locked their doors and won’t let them in to gawk at the children.

From Salon • Jan. 5, 2026

She told the inquiry she accepted responsibility for how the executive handled the Covid pandemic, saying Northern Ireland should have locked down sooner than it did to prevent more deaths.

From BBC • May 20, 2025

Once I’ve turned off all the lights and have locked the back door, I tiptoe down the upstairs hallway and double-check that she is asleep.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy