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a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like in position when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc.
locking
-
present participleof lock.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Most want encampments gone for good, and not by locking people up or punishing them for being poor, but by genuinely helping them to be better.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026
Both polls show a difference between the candidates that falls within the margin of error, locking them in a statistical tie.
From Barron's ● Oct. 24, 2026
The movie teaser, dropped at the same time as the Telluride debut, was instantly viral, spawning memes of Holmes and Fielder locking eyes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026
Does it make a labor stoppage—the owners locking out the players—less likely?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026
Cluny dodged around him and slammed the door, locking them in together.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
