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
JR Raphael
Examples of lock screen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One tiny win Here’s a little trick to add a heart symbol to your iPhone’s lock screen.
—Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2023
The full-release version of iPadOS 17 will also launch on September 18th, adding new ways for iPad users to interact with widgets and personalize their lock screen.
—Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 13 Sep. 2023
The live Instagram feed of undrafted rookie punter Ty Zenter, who was released by the Eagles Aug. 19, inadvertently revealed the lock screen on Hurt’s smartphone — a picture of Hurts walking off the field after losing the Super Bowl.
—Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Sep. 2023
The lock screen becomes more versatile with the option to set different lock screens depending on your Modes and Routines.
—Iyaz Akhtar, PCMAG, 10 Aug. 2023
Live Activities also come over from iOS, placing live alerts on the lock screen, like sports scores or the status of an Uber Eats order.
—Gabriel Zamora, PCMAG, 6 June 2023
Apple heard the complaints and made some small changes between the operating system’s June reveal and September release, including updating the font to the more legible Helvetica Neue and making the battery and cell signal indicators bigger on the lock screen.
—Jay Peters, The Verge, 2 June 2023
With all the Fire HD tablets, the extra $5 is worth it to get it without lock screen ads.
—Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 12 July 2023
The iPad will get some of the beloved existing lock screen features on the iPhone, including the ability to personalize wallpapers, as well as new interactive widgets to get more information at a glance and perform quick actions.
—Samantha Kelly, CNN, 5 June 2023
See More
Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2023
The full-release version of iPadOS 17 will also launch on September 18th, adding new ways for iPad users to interact with widgets and personalize their lock screen.
—Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 13 Sep. 2023
The live Instagram feed of undrafted rookie punter Ty Zenter, who was released by the Eagles Aug. 19, inadvertently revealed the lock screen on Hurt’s smartphone — a picture of Hurts walking off the field after losing the Super Bowl.
—Ben Volin, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Sep. 2023
The lock screen becomes more versatile with the option to set different lock screens depending on your Modes and Routines.
—Iyaz Akhtar, PCMAG, 10 Aug. 2023
Live Activities also come over from iOS, placing live alerts on the lock screen, like sports scores or the status of an Uber Eats order.
—Gabriel Zamora, PCMAG, 6 June 2023
Apple heard the complaints and made some small changes between the operating system’s June reveal and September release, including updating the font to the more legible Helvetica Neue and making the battery and cell signal indicators bigger on the lock screen.
—Jay Peters, The Verge, 2 June 2023
With all the Fire HD tablets, the extra $5 is worth it to get it without lock screen ads.
—Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 12 July 2023
The iPad will get some of the beloved existing lock screen features on the iPhone, including the ability to personalize wallpapers, as well as new interactive widgets to get more information at a glance and perform quick actions.
—Samantha Kelly, CNN, 5 June 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lock screen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1991, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near lock screen
Cite this Entry
“Lock screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lock%20screen. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.
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