padlock

noun

pad·​lock ˈpad-ˌläk 

: 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

Must-have items: The Vans x Valentino collaboration will be the must-have sneaker on everyone’s list; Prada’s new east-west bags and loafer boot; Chloe’s padlock bag; Miu Miu’s sneaker updates with snake print. —Sandra Salibian, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025

The man described the evolution of the locks on his door, from a chain lock to a padlock to a slide bolt lock. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025

Residents can invest in a padlock for their electrical circuit boxes to deter easy access for burglars who want to interfere with the alarm system. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2025

According to one corrections source, he was struck in the head at least once with a padlock hidden in a sock. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for padlock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• fetlock
• flintlock
• goshawk

Kids Definition

padlock

noun

pad·​lock ˈpad-ˌläk 

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

padlock verb