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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This section is designed so that first responders and doctors can see your critical health details from the lock screen if needed. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025 In the first post, the 20-year-old shared a screenshot of her phone's lock screen, showing a photo of her sonogram. Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 One user says the Wi-Fi turns off when unlocking the device, or swiping down on the lock screen to access the notification center. PC Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025 The setting to change the typeface is a bit buried and separate from all the other lock screen settings. ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lock screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lock%20screen. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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