padlock

noun

pad·​lock ˈpad-ˌläk How to pronounce padlock (audio)
: a removable lock with a shackle that can be passed through a staple or link and then secured
padlock transitive verb

Examples of padlock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Residents can invest in a padlock for their electrical circuit boxes to deter easy access for burglars who want to interfere with the alarm system. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 The makers of web browsers have realized that this capability endangers their seeming padlock on being able to browse the Internet. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 The padlock was also missing from the small equipment building near the tower, and the door was left open, Elmore said. Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024 In another November 2022 episode of the sisters' reality show, Aurora and Sophia were shocked to see that Olivia had put a padlock on her closet door, locking them out. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 24 July 2023 Matchsticks are the bars of fire escapes, a pushpin is a light bulb, a paper clip fixed just right to a Popsicle stick end is a padlock, plastic beads are wheels on a dumpster. Liza Weisstuch, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2023 Top-of-the-line models also have more complex padlocks which are harder to pick. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2024 The Space Shuttle has been retired for 13 years, but the padlock remains in the fabric of US spaceflight with Crew Dragon. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 26 Jan. 2024 But not everyone has a biometric fingerprint padlock like this one from Lexon Design. Bellamy Richardson, wsj.com, 8 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'padlock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English padlok, from pad- (of unknown origin) + lok lock

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of padlock was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near padlock

Cite this Entry

“Padlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/padlock. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

padlock

noun
pad·​lock ˈpad-ˌläk How to pronounce padlock (audio)
: a removable lock with a curved piece that snaps into a catch
padlock verb

More from Merriam-Webster on padlock

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