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.

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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

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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

Inspired by a trend in Paris, couples attached metal padlocks and threw the keys into the East River.

From The Wall Street Journal

Only trouble is, it’s locked with a tiny brass padlock and there’s no sign of a key.

From Literature

There are two plastic frogs shooting water from their mouths, a miniature playground rising from the shallow water, and a padlocked fence separating the kid area from the actual lake.

From Literature

But residents can no longer view the bright autumn colours of the tree of life, a symbol often painted by Behzad, as the wooden door has been padlocked shut.

From Barron's

Instead of a doorknob, it has a large metal hasp with a hefty padlock.

From Literature

Related Words

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