lock on
verb
variants
or lock onto
locked on or locked onto; locking on or locking onto; locks on or locks onto
: to acquire (something, such as a target or signal) automatically using a sensor (such as radar)
Examples of lock on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For this year, at least, the Big Ten has snatched the March Madness spotlight that was locked on the SEC last year.
—
ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Cronin defends sideline intensity Sunday’s matchup is one of those that could have an alternate broadcast with cameras locked on both coaching boxes.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2026
As there is virtually zero crime on the island, there are no room keys or locks on the doors here.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
After the song is done, though, its building blocks seem to evaporate from memory; their vaporousness left me yearning for more surprises, or a tighter lock on the groove.
—Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2026
Among the more promising technologies in the UForce portfolio is a software that allows small interceptor drones to lock on to moving targets and blow them out of the sky.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
The lock on the circular ring, Conrad saw, was cracked.
—James Verini, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
During the welfare check, an apartment maintenance worker noted that the lock on the back door of Sanchez’s apartment had been changed, and the deadbolt on the front door was also locked.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026
With the Olympian backline locked on him, Fehrenbach took a shot at goal.
—Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
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.
ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Cronin defends sideline intensity Sunday’s matchup is one of those that could have an alternate broadcast with cameras locked on both coaching boxes.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2026
As there is virtually zero crime on the island, there are no room keys or locks on the doors here.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
After the song is done, though, its building blocks seem to evaporate from memory; their vaporousness left me yearning for more surprises, or a tighter lock on the groove.
—Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2026
Among the more promising technologies in the UForce portfolio is a software that allows small interceptor drones to lock on to moving targets and blow them out of the sky.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
The lock on the circular ring, Conrad saw, was cracked.
—James Verini, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
During the welfare check, an apartment maintenance worker noted that the lock on the back door of Sanchez’s apartment had been changed, and the deadbolt on the front door was also locked.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026
With the Olympian backline locked on him, Fehrenbach took a shot at goal.
—Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lock on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lock%20on. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
