lockout

1 of 2

noun

lock·​out ˈläk-ˌau̇t 

: the withholding of employment by an employer and the whole or partial closing of the business establishment in order to gain concessions from or resist demands of employees

lock out

2 of 2

verb

locked out; locking out; locks out

transitive verb

: to subject (a body of employees) to a lockout

Examples of lockout in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The suspension components are no-name bits and include a non-adjustable rear shock and a front fork with lockout and preload adjustment. —William Roberson, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

City of Irving Prop A, Allow Collective Bargaining for Fire Fighters Measure: Allowing firefighters to collectively bargain upon a majority vote of the affected employees, while maintaining prohibitions and penalties for strikes and lockouts. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Oct. 2024

Verb

That's from TechCrunch's Sean O'Kane, who noted that employees were told they were being locked out of Canoo’s systems. —New Atlas, 23 Dec. 2024

His hope is that with investment firms locked out, inventory could open up for local homebuyers who up until now have had to compete against hedge funds. —Karri Peifer, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lockout

noun

lock·​out -ˌau̇t 

: the stopping of work or closing of a plant by an employer during a labor dispute in order to make the employees come to terms

Legal Definition

lockout

noun

lock·​out ˈläk-ˌau̇t 

: the withholding of employment by an employer in order to gain concessions from or resist demands of employees