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
That’s the crux of their demand for a salary cap that no doubt will lead to a lockout and severely damage the sport soon after this most entertaining postseason ends. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Cap concerns Shaikin wrote about a lockout expected this winter as Major League Baseball owners attempt to implement a salary cap, which limits the amount of money a team can spend on player salaries. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
The Jollof Bowl is still receiving orders through Uber Eats, but Kamara said the restaurant has been locked out of the company's dashboard. — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 Somewhere today, someone will call a corporate help desk and say they are locked out. — Caryn Seidman Becker, Fortune, 9 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lockout

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