locksmith
Americannoun
-
locksmiths
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of locksmith
1200–50; Middle English loksmith (first attested as surname). See lock 1, smith
Explanation
If your job is installing locks on people's houses and fixing their broken locks, you can call yourself a locksmith. A locksmith knows all about locks; she makes them, puts them on doors, and repairs them. If you've ever locked yourself out of your house, the person to call for help is a locksmith. When you need a new copy of your apartment key, you can also visit a locksmith. The word comes from lock and smith, from the Old English smið, "one who works with metal."
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.
See Examples For:
When a property is clearly abandoned, Thogmartin has the authority to hire a locksmith to allow for a full inspection by potential bidders.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026
He said he’s now considering switching to a different career, such as locksmith or watchmaker.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
On a recent wintry night, Nodler was excited to spot two familiar guests at a table enjoying chicken schnitzel and homemade milk bread: the butcher shop owner and town locksmith.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 27, 2026
"We would always suggest the use of a local professional locksmith such as an MLA-approved company," the spokesperson said.
From BBC ● Jan. 29, 2026
We used it every day; it’s how we would locate the address of a locksmith or florist or furniture upholsterer, or any number of the women who volunteered in my mother’s benevolent societies.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
But after one of their locksmiths arrived at the property, the cost increased tenfold within minutes.
From BBC ● Jan. 29, 2026
By determining protein structure, scientists can create blueprints that guide development of more effective medications, much like locksmiths designing keys to fit into specific locks.
From Science Daily ● May 15, 2024
Spring 2022 — Workshops of master glassmakers and locksmiths from across France begin the laborious process of cleaning and restoring the cathedral’s famed stained glass windows.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 18, 2024
“They also turned off the internet, shut off security cameras, and proceeded to have locksmiths begin changing all door locks at the hotel,” the MOM CA group says in the lawsuit.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2023
Love laughs at locksmiths, you have heard it said, cousin.
From Captain Kyd (Vol 1 of 2) or, The Wizard of the Sea by Ingraham, Jonathon Holt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
