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

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

Samsung's redesign can be spotted on the lock screen, home screen, notifications, widgets, the camera app, and more. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025

On an iPhone, disable Siri from the lock screen by switching off Allow Siri When Locked under the Siri menu in Settings. —Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 24 Mar. 2025

As mentioned, the Paperwhite Kids doesn't display ads on the lock screen, which is nice. —Sarah Lord, PC Magazine, 1 July 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