lockout

1 of 2

noun

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

lock out

2 of 2

verb

locked out; locking out; locks out

transitive verb

: to subject (a body of employees) to a lockout

Examples of lockout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Despite a substantial player war chest, the league's aggressive proposals and $2 billion war chest suggest a willingness to risk a lockout, potentially aiming to break the union and solidify Manfred's legacy. — Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Spending more on payroll is the next necessity, something that will happen for the Marlins if MLB owners have the stomach for enduring a long potential lockout and succeed in pushing the players to accept a salary floor and salary cap. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

Verb

At a time of elevated mortgage rates and near-record high home prices, many feel locked out of homeownership or struggle with monthly rent payments. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

The method used by players’ associations to litigate against leagues who lock out players is decertification, or the similar step of disclaiming interest. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lockout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids 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