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

With the announcement of the new iOS at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9, features include a new lock screen design, camera and messaging updates, improved translation features, and more. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

The experience is less about validating a decision and more about sparking inspiration - all right from the convenience of your lock screen. —Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

And one-time passcodes will be hidden from your lock screen in high-risk environments, like when you're not connected to Wi-Fi and haven't recently unlocked your phone. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 13 May 2025

The assistant will be accessible directly from the lock screen or by double-tapping the power button. —Sarah Lord, PCMAG, 4 Mar. 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