lockout

1 of 2

noun

lock·​out ˈläk-ˌau̇t How to pronounce lockout (audio)
: 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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for lockout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lockout was in 1853

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lockout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lockout. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

lockout

noun
lock·​out -ˌau̇t How to pronounce lockout (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce lockout (audio)
: the withholding of employment by an employer in order to gain concessions from or resist demands of employees

More from Merriam-Webster on lockout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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