What does padlock mean?
A padlock is a small, portable lock whose shackle forms a loop that can be passed through a hasp, staple, or similar fastening. It is commonly used on gates, doors, storage containers, bicycles, and outdoor equipment. The word can also function as a verb: “padlock the gate” means to secure the gate with a padlock. In everyday use, padlock often suggests an additional barrier placed over an existing door or gate, rather than a built-in lock. The term has a practical, security-related connotation and is especially common in descriptions of property protection, public buildings, and unattended equipment. Its compound form is etymologically straightforward, combining pad and lock, while the object itself is distinguished by its portable shackle and the fact that it can be fitted and removed relatively easily.
A portable lock with a removable or hinged U-shaped shackle, used to secure a door, gate, container, or other opening.
"He checked the padlock on the shed before going into the garden."
Padlock is a countable noun. Its plural is padlocks.
To secure something with a padlock, or fasten it so that it cannot easily be opened.
"The protesters padlocked the main entrance to the office."
Padlock is a transitive verb and normally takes a direct object. The past tense and participle are padlocked, and the gerund is padlocking.
The standard plural adds -s to the noun: one padlock, two padlocks.
"Several padlocks were placed across the gate."
A padlock is a lock with a movable shackle: portable enough to carry, but strong enough to keep a gate shut.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How padlock is actually used
As a noun, padlock is countable and normally used with articles or a determiner, such as “a,” “the,” or “their.” As a verb, it is transitive and often takes an object such as “the door,” “the gate,” or “the entrance.” It can also occur in the adjective form “padlocked.”