lock·out
ˈläk-ˌau̇t 
: the withholding of employment by an employer and the whole or partial closing of the business establishment in order to gain concessions from or resist demands of employees
locked out; locking out; locks out
: to subject (a body of employees) to a lockout
Examples of lockout in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Paul Bledsoe, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026
On the other hand, the players’ union generally favors earlier free agency, so there is a non-zero chance the Angels could lose some or all of the 2027 season to a lockout and then, in the absence of a long-term deal, lose Neto to free agency after the 2028 season.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Charter schools are one important part of that solution — especially for families who have historically been locked out of choice altogether.
—Jacquelyn Martell, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2026
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Noun
But if the owners and players refuse to enact real reform, the expiration of a collective-bargaining agreement in December could lead not only to a lockout and lost games next year but a decline in the popularity and competitiveness of the national pastime itself.
—Paul Bledsoe, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026
On the other hand, the players’ union generally favors earlier free agency, so there is a non-zero chance the Angels could lose some or all of the 2027 season to a lockout and then, in the absence of a long-term deal, lose Neto to free agency after the 2028 season.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
The act made clear the exemption no longer applies to MLB players’ salaries and other aspects of big league employment—an important point given that MLB is expected to lock out players in December following expiration of a collective bargaining agreement with the MLBPA.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Charter schools are one important part of that solution — especially for families who have historically been locked out of choice altogether.
—Jacquelyn Martell, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lockout
Cite this Entry
“Lockout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lockout. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lockout
noun
lock·out
-ˌau̇t
: the stopping of work or closing of a plant by an employer during a labor dispute in order to make the employees come to terms
Legal Definition
lockout
noun
lock·out
ˈläk-ˌau̇t
: the withholding of employment by an employer in order to gain concessions from or resist demands of employees
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