locker
B1Neutral; common in everyday, educational, sports, and workplace contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A tall cupboard or compartment, typically secured by a lock, used for storing personal belongings, clothing, or equipment.
Can refer to a refrigerated compartment for storing frozen food ('freezer locker') or a small storage compartment for valuables (e.g., in a car). In sports and business, can be used metaphorically for a secure position or advantage ('have a locker on the title').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core concept is 'storage with security'. It implies a shared public or institutional space (school, gym, workplace) where multiple lockers are provided for individual, temporary use. Distinct from a 'cabinet' (more permanent, often in a home) or a 'safe' (for high-value items).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and some vocabulary differ in context ('boot locker' vs 'trunk organizer' is rare). Both dialects use 'locker room' for sports facilities. The term 'locker' itself is identical.
Connotations
In both, strongly associated with school, sports, and gyms. In British English, may also evoke 'lockerbie' (the town) or specific historical contexts less prominent in AmE.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects; a core, everyday word.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have/use a lockerput something in/into the lockertake something out of the lockerrent a lockerassign a locker to someonea locker for (books/clothes)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Locker room talk (informal, often derogatory: crude, boastful conversation)”
- “Have a locker on (something) (informal: to have a secure hold on a title or position)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; may refer to storage for employees' personal effects in a workplace.
Academic
Common in describing school/university facilities for students.
Everyday
Very common: schools, gyms, swimming pools, workplaces.
Technical
In shipping/aviation, refers to a sealed compartment for cargo or equipment.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He lockered his kit after the match.
- The system allows you to locker your belongings securely.
American English
- She lockered her backpack before heading to class.
- Players are required to locker all equipment.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The locker key was missing.
- We have a locker rental service.
American English
- He forgot his locker combination.
- The locker area is being renovated.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I put my coat in my locker.
- The key for my locker is on a red cord.
- You need a coin to use the lockers at the swimming pool.
- I can't remember my locker combination.
- The team's morale was discussed in the locker room after the defeat.
- He rented a freezer locker to store the bulk meat.
- The investigation revealed that the confidential documents had been left in an unsecured locker.
- His locker-room humour was deemed inappropriate for the workplace.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LOCKer has a LOCK to keep your things safe.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND/HEART IS A STORAGE LOCKER (e.g., 'He keeps his emotions locked away').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'lock' (замок). 'Locker' is specifically the storage unit (ящик, шкафчик). 'Locker room' is раздевалка, not just 'room with a lock'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'locker' for a safe deposit box (more secure) or a wardrobe (for hanging clothes at home).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a 'locker'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common in those contexts, lockers are also found in workplaces, airports, bus stations, and some public venues for temporary storage.
A closet is typically a built-in storage space in a room for clothes, while a locker is a standalone, often metal, lockable cabinet found in shared public spaces.
Yes, though less common. It means 'to place or store in a locker' (e.g., 'Locker your valuables before the tour').
It refers to conversation, often boastful, vulgar, or sexist, of the type stereotypically associated with athletes in a locker room. The term can be derogatory.