lockup

noun

lock·​up ˈläk-ˌəp 

1

: jail

especially : a local jail where persons are detained prior to court hearing

2

: an act of locking : the state of being locked

Synonyms

• jail
• prison
• penitentiary

Examples of lockup in a Sentence

the firm conviction that juvenile offenders should never be held in adult lockups

Recent Examples on the Web

Hubbell, who appeared in court in red jail garb, will remain in the county lockup. —Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025

In a 164-page sentencing memo sent to Judge Aron Subramanian, who oversaw the at times sensational federal trial, the prosecutors cited Combs’ unrepentant attitude and conduct while in federal lockup for the past 11 months in their filing regarding the recommendation. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025

The denim Logo Hat features Toy Story lockup and embossed Pixar ball clasp. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Sep. 2025

Phil tells Johnny that Blackie met Allen in lockup, too, and Allen is bad news. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lockup

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• makeup
• markup
• pickup

Kids Definition

lockup

noun

lock·​up -ˌəp 

: prison sense 2, jail

Legal Definition

lockup

noun

lock·​up

1

: a cell or group of cells (as in a courthouse) or jail where persons are held prior to a court hearing compare house of correction, house of detention, jail, penitentiary, prison

2

: the tactic of arranging with a friendly party an option to buy a valuable portion of one's corporate assets in order to discourage a takeover by another party