latch

[ lach ]

/ lætʃ /

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noun

a device for holding a door, gate, or the like, closed, consisting basically of a bar falling or sliding into a catch, groove, hole, etc.

a breastfeeding baby’s attachment or connection to the mother’s breast: A good, deep latch is important because it allows the infant to get enough milk.

verb (used with object)

to close or fasten with a latch.

to attach (a breastfeeding baby) to the breast: You should know how to properly latch your newborn.

verb (used without object)

to close tightly so that the latch is secured: The door won't latch.

(of a breastfeeding baby) to be or become attached to the breast: Failure to latch can be the result of poor positioning of the baby.

Verb Phrases

latch on,

to grab or hold on, as to an object or idea, especially tightly or tenaciously.
to include or add in; attach: If we latch the tax on, the bill will come to over $100.

latch onto, Informal.

to take possession of; obtain; get.
to acquire understanding of; comprehend.
to attach oneself to; join in with: The stray dog latched onto the children and wouldn't go home.

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Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of latch

First recorded before 950; Middle English lacchen, Old English lǣccan “to take hold of, catch, seize”; akin to Greek lázesthai “to take”

OTHER WORDS FROM latch

re·latch, verb (used with object)

Words nearby latch

Las Vegas night, lat, latah, Latakia, Latam, latch, latchet, latch hook, latching, latchkey, latchkey child

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use latch in a sentence

Ridges along the outer edges of the top and bottom latch together.
The diabolical ironclad beetle is nearly unsquishable|Maria Temming|November 23, 2020|Science News For Students
When flat, the panel lays on the lip of that aforementioned two-by-four, and once it was all fastened in, we attached the two halves of the sleeping platform together with a couple of chest latches.
How to Build Out Your Subaru Forester for $350 or Less|Madeleine LaPlante-Dube|October 15, 2020|Outside Online
This kit comes in a clear sewing case with a handle and locking latch closure and is lightweight for easy transport.
Sewing kits perfect for home, travel, and gift-giving|PopSci Commerce Team|October 1, 2020|Popular-Science
There’s a storage divider that neatly organizes the kit’s content and side latches that make it super easy to open and close.
The best first aid kits for staying safe and prepared|PopSci Commerce Team|September 4, 2020|Popular-Science

The latches on the outside keep the grill shut during transport.
5 Portable Grills for All Your Outdoor Cooking Needs|Amy Marturana Winderl|September 2, 2020|Outside Online
“If a reclining seat fails to latch properly it has to be taken out of service,” says Mann, costing the airline even more.
Solution to Seat Rage: No More Reclining|Will Doig|September 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It takes a long time for the entertainment community to latch on to a hot new trend.
Silicon Valley Thinks You’re a Fool|Daniel Gross|April 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Since its release last fall, the music video for “Latch” has already amassed over 15 million views on YouTube.
Disclosure Delves Back to U.K. Garage Roots in ‘Settle’ Album Release|Jean Trinh|June 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Which is necessary because the characters he encounters on his journey are often way too kooky—and, well, Guest-ian—to latch onto.
‘Family Tree’ Brings Christopher Guest’s Mockumentary Style to HBO|Jace Lacob|May 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Instead, we latch onto the number and use that as a symbol of everything else.
Is the GDP Report Really Important?|Zachary Karabell|July 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Sikes, with Olivers hand still in his, softly approached the low porch, and raised the latch.
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3)|Charles Dickens
To punctuate her observation Jessie Norwood lifted the iron latch and jerked open the door.
The Campfire Girls of Roselawn|Margaret Penrose
Its only the shank of the evening, officer, rejoined the old man, as he fumbled with the latch key and finally opened the door.
The Fifth String |John Philip Sousa
Then, as his neck is in the carcan, all you have to do is to close the collar with a latch and remove the ladder.
The Pilgrim's Shell or Fergan the Quarryman|Eugne Sue
Each had a heavy wooden latch, and a vast curved piece of wood was the handle by which it was to be opened.
Papers from Overlook-House|Casper Almore

British Dictionary definitions for latch

latch

/ (lætʃ) /

noun

a fastening for a gate or door that consists of a bar that may be slid or lowered into a groove, hole, etc

a spring-loaded door lock that can be opened by a key from outside

Also called: latch circuit electronics a logic circuit that transfers the input states to the output states when signalled, the output thereafter remaining insensitive to changes in input status until signalled again

verb

to fasten, fit, or be fitted with or as if with a latch

Word Origin for latch

Old English læccan to seize, of Germanic origin; related to Greek lazesthai

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

latch

Origin of latch

OTHER WORDS FROM latch

Words nearby latch

Words related to latch

How to use latch in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for latch

Word Origin for latch