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

The longest work stoppage occurred in the NHL from September 2004 to July 2005, when CBA negotiations dragged on for a 310-day lockout. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026

And there will probably be a lockout after the 2026 season. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026

Verb

Supporters said the current closed primary system locks out too many voters and results in extreme conservatives being elected. —Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice, 27 Jan. 2026

The waterproof puffy material locks out moisture and is insulated enough to keep your feet warm, but not sweaty during chilly morning walks. —Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026

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