noun

lock

lok

noun

A device that fastens something shut, opened only with a key, code, or similar means.

"She changed the lock on the front door after losing her keys."

A section of a canal enclosed by gates, used to raise or lower boats between different water levels.

"The narrowboat waited its turn to pass through the lock."

A strand or tuft of hair.

"A lock of hair fell across her face."

verb

To fasten something with a lock, or to become fixed in place.

"Remember to lock the car before you leave."

"The wheels locked up when he slammed on the brakes."

How to Use Lock

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fastening device (or the act of fastening something), a water-level chamber on a canal, or a strand of hair.

Common pairings

lock the door under lock and key canal lock a lock of hair

locked past tense, locken past tense, locks plural, locks plural, locks singular

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She changed the _____ on the front door after losing her keys.

From Old English loc, "a fastening or enclosure", from a root meaning "to bend or turn".

ock mock rock sock dock bock hock jock tock clock stock shock