padlock

noun

pad·​lock ˈpad-ˌläk How to pronounce padlock (audio)
: a removable lock with a shackle that can be passed through a staple or link and then secured
padlock transitive verb

Examples of padlock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In building a smart padlock that can function reliably in space, igloo iterated more than 500 prototypes, designing the device in line with rigid U.S. military standards and thus producing the toughest smart padlock in the world. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023 Instructions for padlocks: Turn the dials to the original combination, 0-0-0. Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 9 Aug. 2023 The officials urged staff to put a better lock on the door, which De Oliveira did - using a hasp and a padlock to keep it secure, the people said. Devlin Barrett, BostonGlobe.com, 29 July 2023 The officials urged staff to put a better lock on the door, which De Oliveira did — using a hasp and a padlock to keep it secure, the people said. Josh Dawsey, Washington Post, 28 July 2023 Browsers going all the way back to Internet Explorer have used a small padlock icon to denote that a connection is using HTTPS. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 3 May 2023 According to the affidavit filed in the case, the victim fled to a neighbor's home wearing lingerie, a metal collar with a padlock and duct tape around her neck. Nakylah Carter, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2023 At the foot of a bridge near the Eiffel Tower where generations of couples have attached padlocks to symbolize lasting love, a Senegalese man selling cheap locks and keys shook his head when asked if Nahel’s killing and the ensuing violence would change anything. Cara Anna, ajc, 3 July 2023 The lawsuit alleges that a simple $8 padlock could have prevented the gate from swinging, and claims the park violated regulations, CBS Colorado reported. CBS News, 2 Feb. 2023 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near padlock

Cite this Entry

“Padlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/padlock. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

padlock

noun
pad·​lock ˈpad-ˌläk How to pronounce padlock (audio)
: a removable lock with a curved piece that snaps into a catch
padlock verb

More from Merriam-Webster on padlock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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