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English Words Starting With L

5,456 entries — pick a word to see its definition, pronunciation, and usage.

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Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Plural noun Suffix Combining form Verb (transitive)Verb (intransitive)Verb (ambitransitive)

lock bay
nounSpecialized/Low
/ˈlɒk ˌbeɪ/A small body of water, typically within a harbour or dock, that can be isolated from the main water by gates or locks for the purpose of controlling water levels and allowing safe boat mooring or dry-docking.
lock in
nounB2
/ˌlɒk ˈɪn/To commit to something for a certain period, or to secure an advantage/price for the future.
lock nut
nounLow
/ˈlɒk ˌnʌt/A type of nut designed to resist loosening under vibration or torque.
lock on to
verbB2
/lɒk ɒn tuː/To focus or direct one's attention, aim, or tracking onto a specific target with precision and determination.
lock out
nounverbB2
/ˌlɒk ˈaʊt/To prevent someone from entering a place, typically by locking the door or gate.
lock rail
nounC1
/ˈlɒk ˌreɪl/A horizontal rail or bar in a door or window frame into which the lock mechanism is fitted or mounted.
lock seam
nounLow Frequency / Technical
/ˌlɒk ˈsiːm/A strong, flat seam used in metalworking, especially in making cylindrical containers like cans, where the two edges are folded and hooked together then flattened.
lock stitch
nounLow
/ˈlɒk ˌstɪtʃ/A stitch made on a sewing machine by the interlocking of upper and lower threads, preventing unraveling if broken.
lock up
adjectivenounverbB2
/ˌlɒk ˈʌp/To secure a building by fastening its doors and windows; to imprison or confine someone.
lock washer
nounlow
/ˈlɒk ˌwɒʃ.ər/A type of washer (a flat ring) designed to prevent a nut or bolt from loosening under vibration, typically by using a special shape or teeth.
lockage
nounC1/C2 (Low-frequency technical term)
/ˈlɒkɪdʒ/The process of passing through or the construction/operation of a lock on a canal or river.
lockbox
nounB2
/ˈlɒk.bɒks/A small, portable, secure container for valuables, locked with a key or combination.
lockdown
nounHigh (especially post-2020)
/ˈlɒkdaʊn/A state of isolation or restricted movement imposed on people or a place, typically for security or safety reasons, to prevent the spread of danger (e.g., disease, violence).
locke
nounC2
/lɒk/A proper noun; the surname of the 17th-century English philosopher John Locke.
lockean
adjectivenounLow
/ˈlɒk.i.ən/Relating to or characteristic of the philosophical ideas of John Locke (1632–1704), especially his empiricism, theory of knowledge, and political liberalism.
locked bowels
nounRare (Low-Frequency, Technical/Medical)
/ˌlɒkt ˈbaʊ.əlz/A medical condition characterised by an inability to pass stool; severe constipation.
locked-in syndrome
nounLow (Specialized)
/ˌlɒkt ˈɪn ˌsɪndrəʊm/A medical condition characterized by complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles except for those controlling eye movement, while cognitive function remains fully intact.
locker
nounB1
/ˈlɒk.ər/A tall cupboard or compartment, typically secured by a lock, used for storing personal belongings, clothing, or equipment.
locker plant
nounRare
/ˈlɒkə plɑːnt/A facility, typically in a cold region, where rented individual storage lockers are kept refrigerated or frozen to preserve perishable goods, especially fish and game.
locker room
nounB1
/ˈlɒkə ruːm/A room, typically in a sports facility, school, or workplace, containing lockers for storing personal belongings and often used for changing clothes.

Showing 3981–4000 of 5456 words.