dead bolt

noun

: a lock bolt that is moved by turning a knob or key without action of a spring

Examples of dead bolt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Encode Plus Schlage Wi-Fi dead bolt allows owners to easily manage codes and grant access from anywhere, and to lock the door remotely. Carisha Swanson, House Beautiful, 15 Nov. 2022 Remove the two screws holding the faceplate to the edge of the door and pull the plate and the dead bolt from the door. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2022 On Wednesday, Doug Stanton returned to the home to install a steel front security door with a dead bolt. oregonlive, 12 Aug. 2022 Pack added a padlock, a dead bolt, and interior steel doors to the storage center. The New Yorker, 2 May 2022 Emergency responders contacted police after finding the basement's doors secured with two dead bolt locks. Chris Harris, PEOPLE.com, 24 Jan. 2022 Crawford was not in the apartment the next morning when the roommate left for class, and the front door was locked with a dead bolt, the roommate told police. Tina Burnside, CNN, 5 Nov. 2019 Residents can put dead bolts on doors that can make quick escape, or rescue, difficult. Kristina Davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, 30 Apr. 2018 Raccoon can slide dead bolts, lift latches and open regular eyehooks. Janet Eastman, OregonLive.com, 7 Apr. 2018

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dead bolt was circa 1902

Dictionary Entries Near dead bolt

Cite this Entry

“Dead bolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dead%20bolt. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

dead bolt

noun
: a lock bolt that is moved by turning a knob or key
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