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
The new safeguards include requiring law enforcement to label every search with a with a criminal case number, and instituting an automatic review for abnormal search activities, which will trigger proactive lockouts for those users. — Soo Youn, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 This sounds like malpractice to those who understand the value of 40-man roster spots and know the ramifications of the looming lockout. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
When the system detects abnormal behavior, the user would be locked out pending an internal review, the company said in a description of the changes provided ahead of Thursday’s announcement. — Sarah Rankin, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 By the end of the year, all of Flock's law enforcement customers will also have to turn on a tool that aims to flag abnormal search behavior and lock out people until the searches are reviewed by an administrator. — Anna Schecter, CBS News, 13 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 17 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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