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

Explanation

A locker is a small closet or cabinet with a lock where you can keep your jacket and other possessions for a while. High school students typically have lockers for storing their books (and their smelly gym socks). You might use a locker at school, when you're visiting a museum and need a place to leave your backpack, or at the gym. In fact, most gyms and swimming pools have "locker rooms," where you can change into your workout clothes and store your regular clothes and shoes, as well as your wallet, phone, and keys, in a locker. Locker has been used since the 14th century — and even earlier, although it originally meant "a lock."

Example Sentences

“I have these stories from being in the locker room. I hope that, as a player, my story resonates more than a guy from Goldman Sachs saying, ‘Yeah, we’ve got a couple good ETFs.’”

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

“Its a bunch of guys in this locker room that are competitors. And basically the message after the game was, ‘We’re going to come in here Monday and we’re going get a win.’

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

Redick held back tears when general manager Rob Pelinka presented him with the game ball in the locker room on March 31 and showed a video of Redick’s sons, Knox and Kai, congratulating their dad.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

He had 13 points in the first half as the Lakers took a one-point lead into the locker room.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

At the next locker over, a girl with frizzy brown curls applied lipstick behind a small gold compact.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

• chest
• closet
• trunk