locker

American  

[lok-er] / ˈlɒk ər /

noun

1. a chest, drawer, compartment, closet, or the like, that may be locked, especially one at a gymnasium, school, etc. for storage and safekeeping of clothing and valuables.

2. Nautical. a chest or compartment in which to stow things.

3. a refrigerated compartment, as in a locker plant, that may be rented for storing frozen foods.

4. a person or thing that locks.

5. Digital Technology. music locker.

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locker British  

/ ˈlɒkə /

noun

1. 1. a small compartment or drawer that may be locked, as one of several in a gymnasium, etc, for clothes and valuables

   2. ( as modifier )

      a locker room

2. a person or thing that locks

3. a refrigerated compartment for keeping frozen foods, esp one rented in an establishment

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locker Idioms  

1. see Davy Jones's locker.

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Etymology

Origin of locker

First recorded in 1375–1425, locker is from the late Middle English word loker. See lock ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Not run since but he's an improving eight-year-old with plenty potentially still left in the locker.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Modernizing locker rooms and ensuring restroom access is visible and equitably placed throughout the course aren’t cosmetic upgrades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

May, 49, got his start as a head coach at Florida Atlantic University—a school with such shoddy basketball resources that he tried to avoid showing prospective recruits the locker room, or its lukewarm showers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Reaves, who returned from the locker room with 9:40 left in the second quarter, was the only Laker player with multiple made field goals in the first quarter.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

My school backpack is slumped against the wall, still filled with the binders, books, and folders I cleared out of my locker.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• chest
• closet
• trunk