lock
noun
a device for securing a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like in position when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc.
locked
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past participleof lock.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof lock.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
locknouna device for securing a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like in position when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc.
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.
The suit said the sisters were aware the singer owned dogs at the property and understood he kept the pets locked up in a different part of the home.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2026
Where inventory remains locked up and new construction faces more hurdles, builder offerings lean toward the higher end and carry a premium, Zillow says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
Colapinto locked up at the restart after a safety-car period and slid into Alpine team-mate Pierre Gasly, who then hit McLaren driver Norris, in an incident which resulted in all three retiring from the race.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026
The Dodgers were already locked into a No. 2 seed, with a first-round bye.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026
I spotted her at her desk, and just at that moment the sides of both of our eyes met, locked, registered that the enemy was now within striking distance, and then looked away.
From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan
