dreadlock

noun

dread·​lock ˈdred-ˌläk 

plural dreadlocks

1

: a narrow ropelike strand of hair formed by matting, braiding, or twisting : lock

2

dreadlocks ˈdred-ˌläks  plural : a hairstyle consisting of dreadlocks : locks

dreadlocked

ˈdred-ˌläkt 

adjective

Examples of dreadlock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One suspect has dreadlocks and was wearing a black coat, a pink hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants and black sneakers, and was carrying a red backpack at the time of the shooting. —Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

Looking to find his missing mojo, the 19-year-old shed his signature dreadlocks leading up to a visit from the Vols (11-5, 1-2). —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026

One was described as a Black male with medium-length dreadlocks, a dark complexion, and a heavy build. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 30 Dec. 2025

When Landor couldn’t immediately meet the warden’s demand for court documentation of his religious beliefs, he was handcuffed to a chair while his dreadlocks were shaved off. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dreadlock

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