lock
noun
a device for securing a door, gate, lid, drawer, or the like in position when closed, consisting of a bolt or system of bolts propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operated by a key, dial, etc.
was locking
-
past progressiveof lock.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
In the same plaza, Jessica Christopher, co-owner of the Altadena Cookie Co., was locking up for the day when she spotted the dining club members gathered at Lucy’s.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2025
"My back was spasming the last couple holes and it was locking up," he explained, adding he would receive treatment to be ready for the second round.
From BBC ● Feb. 15, 2024
In the early 1980s, Mr. Russell noticed that one of the fingers on his right hand was locking whenever he played.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 6, 2023
I was locking up the coffee shop at 7.
From New York Times ● May 29, 2022
Later that night, just as the porter was locking the lodge, she and Pantalaimon slipped out and made their way through the dark streets, hearing all the bells of Oxford chiming midnight.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
