locksmith: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal; occupational term.
Quick answer
What does “locksmith” mean?
A person who makes, repairs, and fits locks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who makes, repairs, and fits locks.
A professional skilled in the craft of lock-making, lock-picking, and providing security solutions for doors, safes, and vehicles. In extended contexts, can symbolize precision, access, or a problem-solver for access barriers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and profession name identical. Potential minor differences in associated terms (e.g., 'locksmith's shop' vs. 'locksmith shop').
Connotations
Identical connotations of trust, security, and specialist skill in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects as a standard occupational term.
Grammar
How to Use “locksmith” in a Sentence
[SUBJECT] called a locksmith[SUBJECT] works as a locksmithThe locksmith opened/installed/fixed [OBJECT]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “locksmith” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to locksmith the old padlock, but it was beyond repair. (rare, non-standard)
- They had to get someone to locksmith the safe open. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- You can't just locksmith your way into every door. (figurative, informal)
- I wish I could locksmith this situation. (metaphorical, informal)
adverb
British English
- He worked locksmithly on the intricate mechanism. (extremely rare/archaic)
American English
- The job was done locksmith-quick. (informal compound)
adjective
British English
- She sought locksmith advice before changing her front door.
- He completed a locksmith apprenticeship.
American English
- He runs a locksmith business downtown.
- She has great locksmith skills.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Invoicing for locksmith services, licensing, trade certifications.
Academic
Rare, except in historical studies of guilds or metallurgy.
Everyday
Used when locked out of house/car or needing new locks installed.
Technical
Discusses lock mechanisms, key cutting, safecracking (legal), security systems integration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “locksmith”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “locksmith”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locksmith”
- Using 'locker smith' (incorrect space). Using as a verb ('I will locksmith it' is non-standard; 'I will get a locksmith to fix it' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'locksmith' is a noun. The activity is described as 'doing locksmith work' or 'working as a locksmith'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to locksmith a lock') is non-standard and informal.
'Locksmith' is the standard, broad term. 'Keysmith' is a less common synonym, sometimes emphasizing key cutting and duplication over complex lock mechanisms.
No. Modern locksmiths often work with electronic locks, digital keypads, smart locks, and integrated security systems, requiring knowledge of both mechanics and basic electronics.
It is always spelled as one word: 'locksmith'. 'Lock smith' is an incorrect spelling.
A person who makes, repairs, and fits locks.
Locksmith is usually neutral to formal; occupational term. in register.
Locksmith: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒk.smɪθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑːk.smɪθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As cunning as a locksmith (rare, implies skill)”
- “Have a heart like a locksmith's latch (obsolete, implying openness)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LOCK + SMITH: Think of a BLACKsmith, but for LOCKS instead of metalwork.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'locksmith' can metaphorically represent someone who 'unlocks' problems, secrets, or opportunities.
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, what might a 'locksmith of ideas' do?