lockout

1 of 2

noun

lock·​out ˈläk-ˌau̇t 

: 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

Noun

While there has been talk of a WNBA lockout, that appears to be unfounded and a reflection of confusion in labor law terms. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Dec. 2025

With the tentative deal now in place, the union now moves to the agreement ratification process, with both parties agreeing not to engage in any strike or lockout activity. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025

Verb

Her mandate was to uncover where such data could be collected at scale and close those doors without locking out legitimate use. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

Sonder Former Airbnb rival Sonder, a short-term rental company, abruptly ceased operating in November, leaving guests stranded and, in some cases, locked out of their accommodations. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lockout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

lockout

noun

lock·​out -ˌau̇t 

: 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 

: the withholding of employment by an employer in order to gain concessions from or resist demands of employees