coin lock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral/Technical
Quick answer
What does “coin lock” mean?
A secure mechanism, typically on a locker, suitcase, or device, that can only be opened by inserting a coin (often a specific type like a £1 or $1 coin) to turn or release the lock.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A secure mechanism, typically on a locker, suitcase, or device, that can only be opened by inserting a coin (often a specific type like a £1 or $1 coin) to turn or release the lock.
A physical security feature designed for temporary, public use where users do not need to carry a key; also used metaphorically to describe a situation requiring a specific, often unexpected, resource to proceed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept identical. The specific coin referenced differs (e.g., pound coin vs. quarter). The term is more common in UK English due to the prevalence of coin-operated luggage trolleys and lockers.
Connotations
UK: Often associated with train station lockers, swimming pool lockers, and supermarket trolleys. US: More strongly associated with airport lockers, laundromat machines, and shopping carts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher in UK English. In the US, terms like 'coin-operated lock' or 'coin slot lock' are equally likely.
Grammar
How to Use “coin lock” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] has a coin lock.You need a [COIN TYPE] for the coin lock.To unlock it, insert a coin into the coin lock.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coin lock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I had to coin-lock my bag to the trolley.
- They coin-lock all the sunbeds by the pool.
American English
- Make sure you coin-lock your suitcase to the rack.
- The system coin-locks the cart until payment.
adjective
British English
- It's a coin-lock mechanism.
- The coin-lock trolleys are all in use.
American English
- Look for a coin-lock compartment.
- We offer coin-lock storage units.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement for public facilities: 'We need to install coin locks on the new trolleys.'
Academic
Extremely rare. Could appear in design or engineering papers on public infrastructure.
Everyday
Most common context: 'Do you have a pound for the coin lock on the suitcase/trolley?'
Technical
Used in product manuals and specifications for lockers, trolleys, and storage systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coin lock”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coin lock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coin lock”
- Using it as a single word 'coinlock' (should be two words or hyphenated).
- Confusing it with 'coin toss' or 'lock coin'.
- Using it to refer to a lock *on* a coin collection box.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as two separate words ('coin lock'). In technical or marketing contexts, it may be hyphenated ('coin-lock'), especially when used as a modifier (e.g., 'coin-lock mechanism').
Yes, in the most common designs (for trolleys, lockers), the coin is a deposit. You retrieve the same coin when you return the item (trolley) or reopen the locker. For some services like laundromats, the coin is payment and is not returned.
A coin lock requires a physical object (a coin) to open. A combination lock requires knowledge of a specific number or letter sequence. A coin lock is for temporary public use, while a combination lock is more personal and permanent.
Informally, yes (e.g., 'I coin-locked my bike'). However, this is non-standard. In formal writing, use phrases like 'secured with a coin lock' or 'attached using the coin lock mechanism.'
A secure mechanism, typically on a locker, suitcase, or device, that can only be opened by inserting a coin (often a specific type like a £1 or $1 coin) to turn or release the lock.
Coin lock is usually neutral/technical in register.
Coin lock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔɪn ˌlɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔɪn ˌlɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] The funding issue was a coin lock on the entire project.”
- “[Metaphorical] He felt his lack of experience was a coin lock on career advancement.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COIN being the KEY to a LOCK. The two words are literally the components of the device.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BARRIER REQUIRING A SPECIFIC TOKEN. The 'coin' represents the unique, mandatory key (resource) needed to 'unlock' (enable) progress.
Practice
Quiz
In which situation are you MOST likely to encounter a 'coin lock'?