latch

[ lach ]

noun

1. 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.
2. 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)

1. to close or fasten with a latch.
2. to attach (a breastfeeding baby) to the breast:

   You should know how to properly latch your newborn.

verb (used without object)

1. to close tightly so that the latch is secured:

   The door won't latch.

2. (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 phrase

1. Informal.
   1. to take possession of; obtain; get.
   2. to acquire understanding of; comprehend.
   3. to attach oneself to; join in with:

      The stray dog latched onto the children and wouldn't go home.

2. 1. to grab or hold on, as to an object or idea, especially tightly or tenaciously.
   2. to include or add in; attach:

      If we latch the tax on, the bill will come to over $100.

latch

/ lætʃ /

noun

1. a fastening for a gate or door that consists of a bar that may be slid or lowered into a groove, hole, etc
2. a spring-loaded door lock that can be opened by a key from outside
3. Also calledlatch 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

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

Other Words From

• re·latch verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of latch¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of latch¹

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

Example Sentences

Ridges along the outer edges of the top and bottom latch together.

From 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.

From Outside Online

This kit comes in a clear sewing case with a handle and locking latch closure and is lightweight for easy transport.

From 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.

From Popular-Science

The latches on the outside keep the grill shut during transport.

From 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.

From The Daily Beast

It takes a long time for the entertainment community to latch on to a hot new trend.

From The Daily Beast

Since its release last fall, the music video for “Latch” has already amassed over 15 million views on YouTube.

From The 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.

From The Daily Beast

Instead, we latch onto the number and use that as a symbol of everything else.

From The Daily Beast

Sikes, with Olivers hand still in his, softly approached the low porch, and raised the latch.

From Project Gutenberg

To punctuate her observation Jessie Norwood lifted the iron latch and jerked open the door.

From Project Gutenberg

Its only the shank of the evening, officer, rejoined the old man, as he fumbled with the latch key and finally opened the door.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

Each had a heavy wooden latch, and a vast curved piece of wood was the handle by which it was to be opened.

From Project Gutenberg