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

The red notification bubble will appear on the Messages app but will not appear as a notification on your lock screen. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025

Aside from that particular watch face and the lock screen, lots of other details have a translucent effect added. —Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 31 July 2025

On Samsung phones, the app and lock screen will roll out via the company's Galaxy Store. —Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2025

Opt to use a password for your lock screen and choose one that is completely numerical. —Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lock screen

• agin
• alkene
• allene
• ameen
• amin
• amine
• arene
• athene
• baleen
• beeline
• benzene
• between