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

Both will be suspended if a lockout lingers. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2025

Does a potential 2027 lockout have any influence? —Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

Verb

Despite legalization in dozens of states and widespread public support, cannabis brands remain locked out of most major advertising channels due to federal prohibition. —Cynthia Salarizadeh, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025

Without an agreement, or an agreement to extend the negotiating deadline, the owners will lock out the players. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2025

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