locksmith

American  

[lok-smith] / ˈlɒkˌsmɪθ /

noun

1. a person who makes or repairs locks and keys.

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locksmith British  

/ ˈlɒkˌsmɪθ /

noun

1. a person who makes or repairs locks

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Other Word Forms

• locksmithery noun
• locksmithing noun

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

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

A relative called the first locksmith company that came up on an internet search, saying 24/7 Locksmiths UK quoted the family £49 to get them back inside.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

Maureen explained that the locksmith told them he would have "to drill the door" rather than trying to gain entry to their home via a side door.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

The locksmith eventually produced an invoice for £2,802, writing that he would not charge the couple VAT.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

Breathing heavily he said to himself, "So I didn't need the locksmith," and he set his head against the door handle to open the door completely.

From "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka