Definition of padlock
:a removable lock with a shackle that can be passed through a staple or link and then secured
—
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Read the Latest from M-W
Recent Examples of padlock from the Web
-
Jim had to cut off the outer padlock and replace it since the key was among Thomas’ possessions still at the Sacramento Police Department.
-
Theft A cellphone and wallet were reported taken after someone removed a padlock from a locker at LA Fitness, 620 N. York Street between 2 p.m. and 4:35 p.m. July 5.
-
A padlock secures a gate near the third base dugout.
-
Sure, at Alderson, a woman beat another woman’s face with a padlock in her sock, and a jealous lover attacked the woman’s other girlfriend in the dining hall.
-
Yeah, there was a literal padlock on the gas meter.
-
Someone had painted a pink peace symbol on the large white doors of Harris’ loft, next to a koi fish ornament hanging by a pair of padlocks.
-
Meanwhile, the mainframes of other machines are guarded by easy-to-pick padlocks or by no barrier at all.
-
A boat trailer’s padlock was cut; nothing was stolen.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'padlock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of padlock
Middle English padlok, from pad- (of unknown origin) + lok lock
PADLOCK Defined for English Language Learners
padlock
play
noun
Definition of padlock for English Language Learners
-
: a strong lock with a curved bar that connects to the main part of the lock and holds together two parts of something (such as a chain or a gate)
PADLOCK Defined for Kids
Definition of padlock for Students
:a removable lock with a curved piece that snaps into a catch
Learn More about padlock
-
See words that rhyme with padlock Spanish Central: Translation of padlock Nglish: Translation of padlock for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of padlock for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about padlock
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up padlock? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!