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padlock

noun
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pad·​lock | \ ˈpad-ˌläk How to pronounce padlock (audio) \

Definition of padlock

: a removable lock with a shackle that can be passed through a staple or link and then secured
Other Words from padlock Example Sentences Learn More about padlock

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Other Words from padlock

padlock transitive verb

Examples of padlock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Ballot drop boxes were set up Sept. 28 and will remain available until the polls close on election day (don’t be confused by the padlock -- the boxes are open!). — Washington Post, "Maryland voting guide: What to know about early voting, mail-in ballots," 27 Oct. 2020 Below the slot, there is a separate metal flap with a padlock, which will be used to lock the drop box when voting closes on Nov. 3. — Washington Post, "Where’s the slot? With some voters confused, Md. officials detail how ballot dropboxes work.," 23 Oct. 2020 Some models even have holes molded in for attaching a padlock. — The Editors, Field & Stream, "Four Things to Look for In Your Next Plastic Storage Bin," 6 Aug. 2019 Authorities said a padlock was attached to the flagpole to prevent the banner from being removed. — Winston Gieseke, USA TODAY, "In California: Newsom’s nominee for state Supreme Court would make history," 6 Oct. 2020 In order to make it to the other side, Goodwin had to free his hands, unlock the padlock around his waist and ride to the other side before the flames burned through the ropes and sent him plummeting. — Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY, "'AGT': Howie Mandel 'terrified' by fiery daredevil semifinals act; Sofía Vergara calls it 'cuckoo'," 16 Sep. 2020 Each one is made of thick, weatherproof steel that has been smoothed to prevent tampering and has an access door sealed by a high-security padlock. — Rebecca Tan, Washington Post, "Hundreds of ballot drop boxes are coming to the D.C. region. Here’s what to expect.," 11 Sep. 2020 Farr-Payne also claims that roughly around that same time a large freezer with a padlock appeared on their porch. — CBS News, "New clue in Tiger King mystery: "I will put you in the grinder"," 8 Sep. 2020 But now there was a padlock on the door, the store was empty except for two naked male mannequins in the window, their bare butts facing Sutter Street. — Carl Nolte, SFChronicle.com, "SF, the city Republicans smear most, reveals itself to still be not so bad," 15 Aug. 2020

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.

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First Known Use of padlock

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for padlock

Middle English padlok, from pad- (of unknown origin) + lok lock

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Time Traveler for padlock

Time Traveler

The first known use of padlock was in the 15th century

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Statistics for padlock

Last Updated

15 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Padlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/padlock. Accessed 20 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for padlock

padlock

noun
How to pronounce padlock (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of padlock

: 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)

See the full definition for padlock in the English Language Learners Dictionary

padlock

noun
pad·​lock | \ ˈpad-ˌläk How to pronounce padlock (audio) \

Kids Definition of padlock

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a removable lock with a curved piece that snaps into a catch

padlock

verb
padlocked; padlocking

Kids Definition of padlock (Entry 2 of 2)

: to fasten with a removable lock

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More from Merriam-Webster on padlock

Nglish: Translation of padlock for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of padlock for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about padlock

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