lockout

1 of 2

noun

lock·​out ˈläk-ˌau̇t How to pronounce lockout (audio)
Synonyms of lockoutnext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Predictions of a lockout that would mean no baseball in 2027 were rampant. — Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026 But if the Cubs can’t knock off Los Angeles, a Dodgers-White Sox World Series would be the next best thing — a perfect appetizer for the upcoming lockout. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
As of late 2025, Alibaba Cloud held roughly 36% to 37% domestic share, Huawei Cloud 16%, and Tencent Cloud 9%, with foreign providers largely locked out by data residency and compliance rules. — Ashish Bhatia, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Credit score requirement 'locks out' some borrowers Borrowers may struggle to qualify for state student loans, said Williams, chief customer officer at student loan advisory firm Summer. — Annie Nova, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lockout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lockout was in 1853

Rhymes for lockout

See All Rhymes for lockout

Browse Nearby Words

lock one's knee
lockout
lock out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lockout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lockout. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lockout

noun
lock·​out -ˌau̇t How to pronounce lockout (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce lockout (audio)
: the withholding of employment by an employer in order to gain concessions from or resist demands of employees

More from Merriam-Webster on lockout

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lockout

Nglish: Translation of lockout for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lockout

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