latch

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈlach 

latched; latching; latches

intransitive verb

1

: to lay hold with or as if with the hands or arms

—used with on or onto

2

: to associate oneself intimately and often artfully

—used with on or onto

latched onto a rich widow

latch

2 of 3

noun

: any of various devices in which mating mechanical parts engage to fasten but usually not to lock something:

a

: a fastener (as for a door) consisting essentially of a pivoted bar that falls into a notch

b

: a fastener (as for a door) in which a spring slides a bolt into a hole

also : night latch

latch

3 of 3

verb (2)

latched; latching; latches

transitive verb

: to make fast with or as if with a latch

Examples of latch in a Sentence

Noun

He lifted the latch and opened the gate.

I heard her key turn in the latch.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Senate Republicans are latching onto the political theater narrative. —Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025

One of the most bizarre and funniest responses to the breakup, and one which was latched onto by every late night TV host, came from Kanye West. —Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025

Noun

The class covers what to expect when initiating breastfeeding, skin-to-skin holding, positioning, deep latch techniques, pumps and pumping, and basic troubleshooting. — A Ready for Baby newborn care class takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025

The clear plastic weather-tight bins, which feature buckle latch tops, come in a set of four and retail for $49.99. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 14 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English lachen, from Old English læccan; perhaps akin to Greek lambanein to take, seize

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing latch

• latch on
• latch on to
• night latch
• on the latch

Rhymes for latch

• bache
• batch
• brach
• catch
• hatch
• mache
• match
• patch
• rach
• scratch
• snatch
• tache

Kids Definition

latch

1 of 3 verb

ˈlach 

1

: to get hold

2

: to attach oneself

latch

2 of 3 noun

: a catch (as a spring bolt) that holds a door or gate closed

latch

3 of 3 verb

: to catch or fasten by means of a latch