padlock

American  

[pad-lok] / ˈpædˌlɒk /

noun

1. a portable or detachable lock with a pivoted or sliding shackle that can be passed through a link, ring, staple, or the like.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to fasten with or as with a padlock.

padlock British  

/ ˈpædˌlɒk /

noun

1. a detachable lock having a hinged or sliding shackle, which can be used to secure a door, lid, etc, by passing the shackle through rings or staples

---

verb

1. (tr) to fasten with or as if with a padlock

Other Word Forms

• unpadlocked adjective

Etymology

Origin of padlock

First recorded in 1425–75, padlock is from the late Middle English word padlok. See pod ⁴, lock ¹

Example Sentences

The first and only response to that invitation was to ask him to put a padlock on the door to the storage room full of boxed documents.

From The Wall Street Journal

Not necessarily a designer one, but a handbag with a strong sense of itself — an acid-green baguette bag, a wicker orb with a padlock, a cheetah-print apothecary satchel.

From Salon

Saint Laurent’s latest offering — understated black leather with a charming gold padlock hanging off the handle — offers the user a graceful chicness that more than justifies the price tag.

From Los Angeles Times

Kelly Grigg, the owner of the centre at Winnard's Perch, said the bolt and padlock to one of its aviaries had been "hit with force".

From BBC

She padlocks the gate when she returns and buries witchy talismans around the property to ward off intruders.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fastener
• latch
• pipe
• rivet
• rod
• spike