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 Futures markets suggest that the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of England could move practically in lockstep next year to ease monetary policy. Chelsey Dulaney, WSJ, 15 Nov. 2023 The last-minute scramble reflects the collision of two of Biden's chief goals: countering China and marching in lockstep with labor unions. Jeff Stein and Tyler Pager The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 13 Nov. 2023 The last-minute scramble reflects the collision of two of Biden’s chief goals: countering China and marching in lockstep with labor unions. Tyler Pager, Washington Post, 12 Nov. 2023 Additionally, some Republicans who still make up north Fulton County’s electoral majority have never marched in lockstep with Trump and the tea party, a movement that opposes the Washington political establishment and espouses conservative and libertarian philosophy. Bill Barrow, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2023 Even so, mortgage rates have climbed this year almost in lockstep with the Fed raising its benchmark rate. Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2023 Republicans are making inroads with Latinos, many of whom are assimilated and hold views about undocumented immigrants that are more in lockstep with conservatives than with Democrats. Jp Brammer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2023 Beyond the ties to one of fashion’s most iconic names, the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel continues to evolve its offerings in lockstep with the fashion of the times, while also maintaining its illustrious position as a legendary granddame. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 29 Sep. 2023 But officials from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, the three companies active in the commercial human spaceflight arena, were in lockstep during a Senate hearing. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 20 Oct. 2023 See More

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 7 Dec. 2023.

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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