lockpick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Neutral (describing the object), Informal/Idiomatic (in metaphorical use).
Quick answer
What does “lockpick” mean?
A slender tool or set of tools used to manipulate the internal components of a lock to open it without the original key.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slender tool or set of tools used to manipulate the internal components of a lock to open it without the original key.
A skill or activity involving the use of such tools. Informally, it can metaphorically refer to any method used to bypass a restriction or gain unauthorized access.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling is consistent (one word, 'lockpick').
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations are neutral for the tool itself (a hobbyist, locksmith, or security professional's tool) but carry negative/illegal connotations when referring to unauthorized use.
Frequency
Equally uncommon in everyday conversation but familiar in specific contexts (security, crime fiction, gaming).
Grammar
How to Use “lockpick” in a Sentence
pick [a/the lock] (with a lockpick)use [a lockpick/one's lockpicks] to open [something]be skilled at lockpickingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lockpick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to lockpick the old mechanism in under a minute.
- The hobbyists met to practise lockpicking.
American English
- In the game, you can lockpick chests to find treasure.
- She learned to lockpick from online tutorials.
adverb
British English
- He opened the case lockpick-style.
American English
- She solved the puzzle lockpick-fast.
adjective
British English
- He attended a lockpick workshop.
- The lockpick set was confiscated by police.
American English
- Lockpick skills are useful for a locksmith.
- They sell lockpick tools online.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in security industry contexts, e.g., 'Our audit revealed vulnerability to basic lockpicks.'
Academic
Rare; found in forensic science, criminology, or security engineering papers.
Everyday
Low frequency; associated with locksmiths, hobbyists, escape rooms, or crime-related news.
Technical
Common in locksmithing, physical security, penetration testing, and lock sport communities.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lockpick”
- Using it as the default verb (incorrect: 'He lockpicked the door'; correct: 'He picked the lock').
- Misspelling as two words ('lock pick') – while acceptable, the single-word form is standard for the tool.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one word ('lockpick') when referring to the tool itself, though 'lock pick' (two words) is also seen. The activity is 'lockpicking' (one word).
Yes, but it's less common and considered a back-formation from 'lockpicking'. The standard verb phrase is 'to pick a lock'. 'He lockpicked the door' is understandable but 'He picked the lock' is more natural.
Laws vary by country and region. In many places, owning lockpicks is legal, but carrying them with intent to commit a crime is not. Some areas require proof of profession (e.g., locksmith). Always check local laws.
A skeleton key is a specific type of key that has been altered to fit many simple locks of a similar type. A lockpick is not a key at all; it's a set of tools used to manually manipulate each individual lock's internal pins without a key.
A slender tool or set of tools used to manipulate the internal components of a lock to open it without the original key.
Lockpick is usually technical, neutral (describing the object), informal/idiomatic (in metaphorical use). in register.
Lockpick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒk.pɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑːk.pɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He had a mind like a lockpick (metaphorical: able to solve intricate problems).”
- “To pick someone's lock (metaphorical/slang: to figure someone out).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PICK (like an ice pick) being used on a LOCK. The word is simply the two items combined: LOCK + PICK.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INGENUITY IS A KEY. A lockpick extends this metaphor: a non-standard, skillful method of unlocking (a problem, a person's mind, a system).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'lockpick' MOST likely to be used neutrally or positively?