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

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

They sit next to each other in the locker room and Smart is the first to always encourage Ayton, to push him, to expect more out of him.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

His night ended with him appropriately surrounded in the locker room by teammates who were bleating like goats.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

Against Wolves he was a solid, commanding goalkeeper, which I actually didn't think he had in the locker.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

I closed my locker and made my way over.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

• chest
• closet
• trunk