What does lockup mean?
In modern English, lockup most often refers to the way a wordmark, logo, slogan, or other pieces of visual information are arranged together as one deliberate unit. In graphic design and advertising, a logo lockup combines a symbol with an organization’s name, often with supporting text, so that the elements function and appear as a single mark. The word also has a typographic history: in traditional printing, a lockup was a body of type secured in a chase and ready for printing. Outside design, lockup can mean a secure storage space, such as a bicycle or car lockup, and it can denote a prison cell, especially in British usage. These senses share an emphasis on something being held securely together or kept safely enclosed. Although the term may sound technical, it is useful for describing not merely the pieces of an identity but the specific combined presentation that makes them recognizable.
nounA lockup is an arrangement of words and graphic elements, especially a logo or wordmark, intended to appear as a unified unit. It can also refer to type secured for printing, a secure storage area, or a prison cell.
- A unified arrangement of a logo, wordmark, slogan, or other graphic elements.
- In traditional printing, an assemblage of type secured in a chase and ready for printing.
- A secure storage space, especially for bicycles, vehicles, or other possessions.
- A prison cell or place in which a person is confined.
"The redesigned identity features a compact lockup of the company’s symbol and name."
"The designer adjusted the type and icon as a single lockup."
"The old police-station lockup had a narrow cot and a small barred window."
The standard plural adds -s; the hyphenated form “lock-ups” also occurs, especially in storage and prison-related usage.
"The agency compared several logo lockups before selecting a final design."
Before drag-and-drop design, a “lockup” could be literal: metal type was secured in a chase for printing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lockup come from?
Lockup is an English compound formed from lock and up, expressing the idea of fastening something or confining it securely. Its technical printing sense refers to type secured in a chase, while its graphic-design sense describes visual elements held together as a unified arrangement. Related English formations include locker, locket, deadlock, and interlock, all built on the same lexical base.
How lockup is actually used
The design and printing senses are specialist, while the storage and prison senses are less technical. The related action is normally expressed as the two-word verb “lock up,” not the closed form “lockup.”
Easily confused with lockup
A lockout is a refusal by an employer to allow work to continue, whereas a lockup is a visual arrangement, secure enclosure, or prison cell.