interlock

verb in·ter·lock \ ˌin-tər-ˈläk \

|Updated on: 18 Jul 2018

Examples: interlock in a Sentence

Definition of interlock

interlocked; interlocking; interlocks

intransitive verb

: to become locked together or interconnected

transitive verb

1 : to lock together : unite

2 : to connect so that the motion or operation of any part is constrained by another

See interlock defined for English-language learners

See interlock defined for kids

Examples of interlock in a Sentence

She interlocked her fingers with his.

Recent Examples of interlock from the Web

Its tall, three-level facade is clad in charcoal-gray siding interlocked with corrugated steel and natural-cedar siding.

— nancy keates, WSJ, "A Shoe Executive’s Long-Distance Run to His Oregon Abode," 11 July 2018
The show traces the street's history back to Augustus Woodward, the first judge of the Michigan territory, who arrived in 1805 and devised an interlocking hexagon plan of pathways for downtown Detroit.

— julie hinds, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit's Woodward Ave. chosen as one of 10 streets that changed America," 6 July 2018
If commuters use the service in Richmond, fewer cars will jam the interlocking streets and boulevards that feed the Interstate 80 and 580 freeways, Lewis said.

— rachel swan, SFChronicle.com, "Soon-to-open Richmond ferry terminal could revive shoreline, usher in gentrification," 5 July 2018
After scoring, both players put their open hands together and interlocked their thumbs to display the double-headed eagle figure that can be found on the national flag of Albania.

— SI.com, "'Pure Emotion': Switzerland Star Xherdan Shaqiri Defends Controversial Goal Celebration," 23 June 2018
Rather than running from the truth, Rutherford revels in the fact that the origins and interlocking realities of human society are messy.

— sarah mupo, STAT, "The 39 best health and science books to read this summer," 25 June 2018
The highway's conventional road surface will be overlain with interlocking concrete slabs, each 56 feet long and featuring Wi-Fi connectivity and embedded fiber optic cables that act as pressure sensors.

— david cox /, NBC News, "Can smart roads save lives? New test may provide answer," 25 June 2018
His band is quietly energetic, supplying the mesh of interlocking supporting parts that help showcase the dramatic contrasts built into the music.

— john adamian, courant.com, "Music Festivals And Concerts Not To Miss This Week," 18 June 2018
Your spine—which is made up of interlocking bones called vertebrae—has some natural curves in it.

— nina bahadur, SELF, "6 Ways Your Mattress Could Be Negatively Affecting Your Health," 15 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interlock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of interlock

1632

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

interlock

noun in·ter·lock \ ˈin-tər-ˌläk \

Definition of interlock

1 : the quality, state, sense, or an instance of being interlocked

2 : an arrangement in which the operation of one part or mechanism automatically brings about or prevents the operation of another

a safety interlock

3 a : a stretchable fabric made on a circular knitting machine and consisting of two ribbed fabrics joined by interlocking

b : a garment made of interlock

Recent Examples of interlock from the Web

Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.

— juno demelo, Woman's Day, "Everything You Need to Know to Perform CPR in an Emergency," 25 May 2018
Giumarra is also prohibited from drinking alcohol or visiting bars during his sentence, and must enroll in DUI school as well as install interlock ignition devices on his vehicles.

— benjamin brown, Fox News, "Vineyard heir will likely avoid prison in DUI death of cyclist, mother of five," 5 Apr. 2018
The bill introduced by Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, would allow the interlock ignition manufacturers to make, market and sell Breathalyzers to use in vehicles without a report being generated and sent to the SOS.

— kathleen gray, Detroit Free Press, "Worried about drunk kids driving? Install an interlock Breathalyzer in family car," 11 Mar. 2018
Heyd's suit says his license was suspended and he was required to undergo three random drug tests and install an interlock device on his vehicle.

— bob warren, NOLA.com, "Ex-deputy, St. Tammany sheriff sued in DWI arrest case," 30 May 2018
The debut collection features four types of super-soft washed cotton: a lightweight jersey, a mid-weight jersey, a ribbed cotton, and an interlock cotton.

— mekita rivas, Teen Vogue, "For Days Launches a No-Waste Sustainable T-Shirt Subscription," 30 May 2018
Some of those include strictly enforcing legal drinking age and zero-tolerance policies for minors, using sobriety checkpoints, requiring ignition interlocks for DWI offenders and raising alcohol taxes.

— sandee lamotte, CNN, "Stricter state alcohol access rules can save 800 DUI deaths a year, study says," 29 May 2018
The first collection of tees, which debuts tomorrow on fordays.com, comes in four types of super-soft washed cotton: a lightweight jersey, a mid-weight jersey, a ribbed cotton, and an interlock cotton.

— emily farra, Vogue, "This Zero-Waste, Closed-Loop Company Will Revolutionize the Way You Buy T-Shirts," 29 May 2018
As part of his probation conditions, he was ordered not to drink alcohol and install the interlock device inside his black Chevy Silverado pickup.

— jessica lee, The Seattle Times, "City of Seattle and family of relatives killed by repeat drunken driver settle lawsuit for $13 million," 21 May 2018

First Known Use of interlock

1874

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

INTERLOCK Defined for English Language Learners

interlock

verb

Definition of interlock for English Language Learners

: to connect or lock (two or more things) together

INTERLOCK Defined for Kids

interlock

verb in·ter·lock \ ˌin-tər-ˈläk \

Definition of interlock for Students

interlocked; interlocking

: to connect or lock together

… she sat bowed, with her dirt-caked fingers idly interlocked in her lap …
—Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee

Law Dictionary

interlock

intransitive verb in·ter·lock \ ˌin-tər-ˈläk \

legal Definition of interlock

: to be or become mutually connected; also : to be consistent in regard to major elements

confessions that interlock

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See words that rhyme with interlock Spanish Central: Translation of interlock Nglish: Translation of interlock for Spanish speakers

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interlock

Definition of interlock

Examples of interlock in a Sentence

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First Known Use of interlock

interlock

Definition of interlock

Recent Examples of interlock from the Web

First Known Use of interlock

INTERLOCK Defined for English Language Learners

interlock

Definition of interlock for English Language Learners

INTERLOCK Defined for Kids

interlock

Definition of interlock for Students

Law Dictionary

interlock

legal Definition of interlock

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