latch

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈlach 

latched; latching; latches

intransitive verb

1

: to lay hold with or as if with the hands or arms

—used with on or onto

2

: to associate oneself intimately and often artfully

—used with on or onto

latched onto a rich widow

latch

2 of 3

noun

: any of various devices in which mating mechanical parts engage to fasten but usually not to lock something:

a

: a fastener (as for a door) consisting essentially of a pivoted bar that falls into a notch

b

: a fastener (as for a door) in which a spring slides a bolt into a hole

also : night latch

latch

3 of 3

verb (2)

latched; latching; latches

transitive verb

: to make fast with or as if with a latch

Examples of latch in a Sentence

Noun

He lifted the latch and opened the gate.

I heard her key turn in the latch.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Another Lewandowski spot kick reduced the advantage, before Eric Garcia latched onto a Pedri cross to finally equalize through a bullet header. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

At a time where some voters are less trusting of government regulators and the media, people are looking for a hopeful future to latch onto. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025

Noun

This alarm is relatively affordable, latches to your bag or keychain, and sets off a loud siren and strobe light when the top is pulled. —Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2025

Our one complaint is that the latch mechanism is difficult to engage. —Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English lachen, from Old English læccan; perhaps akin to Greek lambanein to take, seize

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1530, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing latch

• latch on
• latch on to
• night latch
• on the latch

Kids Definition

latch

1 of 3 verb

ˈlach 

1

: to get hold

2

: to attach oneself

latch

2 of 3 noun

: a catch (as a spring bolt) that holds a door or gate closed

latch

3 of 3 verb

: to catch or fasten by means of a latch