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
He could still be moved this winter, but the uncertainty surrounding the potential lockout may delay any moves before 2027 games occur. — Greg Jewett, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Harper argues that an anticipated lockout next season, stemming from the current CBA, makes taking on high salaries for the rest of this year a strategic financial play, as full salaries might not be paid next year. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Verb
By the end of the day, Hugging Face had locked out the intruder. — Stephen Witt, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 Among the more significant experiences for Pash was his leadership in bargaining with the NFLPA, including when the NFL locked out the players in 2011. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 July 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 3 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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