SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

under lock and key

idiom
Save Word

Definition of under lock and key

: in a room, box, etc., that is locked The jewels are kept under lock and key. The prisoner is being kept/held under lock and key.

Learn More About under lock and key

Dictionary Entries Near under lock and key

underload switch

under lock and key

underlook

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for under lock and key

Cite this Entry

“Under lock and key.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%20lock%20and%20key. Accessed 21 Oct. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon
Seen & Heard
People are talking about

WORD OF THE DAY

untoward

Listen to the pronunciation of untoward

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Dog Words Quiz

  • shiba puppy more or less demanding cuddles
  • Which of the following animals has a dog in its etymology?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games