lock screen

noun

plural lock screens
: a graphical user interface displayed by a device (such as a computer or smartphone) that prevents access to most functions of the device until a certain action (such as swiping one's finger across the screen or entering a predetermined code) is performed
Speaking of locking your phone, Android typically shows notifications on your lock screen by default—which means the contents of messages you receive might be visible to anyone who looks at your device, even if they can't unlock it.JR Raphael

Examples of lock screen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Best Kindle Deals at Amazon With crisp color, a waterproof build, and an ad-free lock screen, the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft fits reading anywhere. PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025 According to Karl, the report also included a screenshot of Trump's iPhone lock screen, which showed an image of Trump in a red MAGA hat giving a thumbs-up. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 26 Oct. 2025 The lock screen glows with a black-and-white portrait of a smoky-eyed Prince. Gerrick Kennedy, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025 The memorial is made up of 50 smartphones, each displaying the lock screen photo of a child whose life was cut short, stemming from the harmful effects of social media. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lock screen

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lock screen was in 1991

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lock screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lock%20screen. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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