padlock

noun

pad·​lock ˈpad-ˌläk 

: 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

With the ability to mint cryptographic credentials that cause address bars to display a padlock, assuring the trustworthiness of a site, these certificate authorities wield significant control over the security of the web. —Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2025

In Paris, amorous visitors made a habit of fastening padlocks to the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge, then tossing the key into the Seine River below. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025

Two people used a reciprocal saw April 21 in the 9500 block of West Shore Drive to cut through a padlock at a storage area and remove building repair and maintenance tools without permission, police said. —Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025

Only visit websites with https:// and a padlock iron in the address bar indicating encryption. —Maxwell Alles, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for padlock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk

Kids Definition

padlock

noun

pad·​lock ˈpad-ˌläk 

: a removable lock with a curved piece that snaps into a catch

padlock verb