lockstep

noun

lock·​step ˈläk-ˌstep How to pronounce lockstep (audio)
often attributive
1
: a mode of marching in step by a body of persons going one after another as closely as possible
2
: a standard method or procedure that is mindlessly adhered to or that minimizes individuality
Phrases
in lockstep
: in perfect or rigid often mindless conformity or unison
politicians marching in lockstep with the party line

Examples of lockstep in a Sentence

followed the lockstep that had been in his family for generations: prep school, Ivy League university, job on Wall Street
Recent Examples on the Web The deals are a reminder that the companies that make up the Silicon Valley economy never march in lockstep. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2024 And yet, doubts persist The Democratic National Committee is working in lockstep with Biden's campaign, raising and spending millions of dollars. Tamara Keith, NPR, 7 Apr. 2024 For the first time, the symptoms and behavior of patients during seizures were correlated to a brain signal occurring in lockstep. Giridhar Kalamangalam, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024 The consultant firm’s initial work will start in May and wrap up in August to remain in lockstep with the mayor’s timeline. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2024 All of this could end up nowhere in a very conservative House, where GOP leaders move in lockstep with Trump. Paul Kane, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2024 Ever since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, economic output has grown in lockstep with carbon emissions. Justin Worland, TIME, 2 Feb. 2024 For a culinary experience in lockstep with the surroundings, Alpenrose offers fondue, rosti, and schnitzel in a setting that harkens nearly back to the town’s founding (the restaurant opened its doors in 1974). Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2024 Newsom is in lockstep with San Francisco Mayor London Breed (D), who has criticized a similar ruling that barred her administration from clearing out homeless encampments. Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner, 13 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lockstep.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lockstep was in 1787

Dictionary Entries Near lockstep

Cite this Entry

“Lockstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lockstep. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

lockstep

noun
lock·​step -ˌstep How to pronounce lockstep (audio)
: a way of marching in step in which the marchers are very close one behind the other
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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