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:
After consulting a supervisor, the staff member told them the situation did not meet the threshold for a police response and suggested they consider contacting a locksmith.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
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
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
Add locksmith skills and a keen ability to keep a low profile, and I trip into the lap of luxury on a regular basis.
From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
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
I've also had to call locksmiths several times when I have lost the keys to my flat.
From BBC ● Jan. 17, 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
It is page upon black-and-white page of data: ratings of plumbers, roofers, house painters, locksmiths, doctors, fence builders, nursing homes, etc., etc.
From Washington Post ● May 24, 2022
In the shops were blacksmiths, coppersmiths, locksmiths, coopers, turners, rope spinners, chandlers, painters, masons, etc.
From The Story of Sitka The Historic Outpost of the Northwest Coast by Clarence Leroy Andrews
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