locker

American  

[lok-er] / ˈlɒk ər /

noun

• lockers
  plural

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.

---

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

---

locker Idioms  

1. see Davy Jones's locker.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• lockers
  plural

---

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

See Examples For:

locker lockers

The veteran infielder stood by his locker at Dodger Stadium, his eyes red and watery, his uniform covered in dirt, knowing that when he pulled them off, it would be for the last time.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

But it also could have happened in a dorm room, locker room or other private setting.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

Mr. Winfield, by then playing for the California Angels, issued a terse statement in front of his locker: “I’m vindicated.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

The latter seemingly bought into some of the era’s storylines and ringside magic, believing that a rousing speech to the wrestlers in the locker room would convince them to strike.

From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026

On my way to my locker, I stop at the mirror.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

To avoid bear encounters, Fish and Wildlife recommends removing unsecured food from cars and tents, using bear-resistant food canisters or bear lockers, and regularly disposing trash.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2026

Things like new delivery lockers, she said, will make it easier for restaurants to handle digital orders.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 23, 2026

Entry is through a metal detector, and bags must be put in the cloakroom or in lockers, and there are more security guards.

From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026

Kamel Chibli, vice president of the Occitanie regional council in southern France, said digital pouches and lockers used to store smartphones cost the regional authorities around 40,000 euros for a high school with 1,500 students.

From Barron's ● Aug. 24, 2026

The Twenty-Sixth Street beach was fully equipped with suits, towels, and lockers available at no charge; the beach manager proudly stated that he was looking to make it “the bathing point of the south side.”

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• chest
• closet
• trunk

---