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

Swalwell and Porter echoed concerns about a party lockout on Thursday. —ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026

Another lockout that stretches into March would prevent any players on teams’ 40-man rosters, including prospects, from reporting to spring training or participating in any club or league activities. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026

Verb

That has some Democrats worried that candidates may split the votes enough during the primary that two Republicans will end up in the runoff while Democrats get locked out of the November election. —Linh Tat, Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026

Three months later, tenants are still locked out and unable to get their belongings inside. —Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 10 Mar. 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