lock on

verb

variants or lock onto
locked on or locked onto; locking on or locking onto; locks on or locks onto

transitive verb

: to acquire (something, such as a target or signal) automatically using a sensor (such as radar)

Examples of lock on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Around 1,500 sandbags were placed along the lock on Thursday, according to the DNR. Nick Lentz, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026 Police went to Beamon’s house and observed a lock on the basement door, a mattress on the floor and a radio playing loudly. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026 As the crew regained contact with Earth and locked on with the glowing blue marble once again, Christina Koch marveled at lunar flyby experience but paid special homage to the comforts awaiting back home. Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026 In Georgia, the town of Social Circle placed a lock on the water meter at a warehouse DHS purchased. ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026 The parents of four were subsequently arrested by Arkansas authorities March 20 after a home visit turned up evidence of possible child endangerment including locks on the outside of their children’s bedroom doors. Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026 Cronin defends sideline intensity Sunday’s matchup is one of those that could have an alternate broadcast with cameras locked on both coaching boxes. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2026 As there is virtually zero crime on the island, there are no room keys or locks on the doors here. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026 Among the more promising technologies in the UForce portfolio is a software that allows small interceptor drones to lock on to moving targets and blow them out of the sky. Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lock on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lock%20on. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster