padlock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal for noun; verb is neutral.
Quick answer
What does “padlock” mean?
A detachable lock with a hinged or sliding shackle, designed to be passed through a staple or link and then locked shut.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A detachable lock with a hinged or sliding shackle, designed to be passed through a staple or link and then locked shut.
Metaphorically, any restrictive security measure or an act of securing something completely; also refers to a wrestling hold (a headlock).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The object and its usage are identical. Minor potential difference in phrasing (e.g., 'put a padlock on' vs. 'lock with a padlock').
Connotations
Equally neutral in both varieties, associated with practical security, storage units, gates, and lockers.
Frequency
Equal frequency and usage in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “padlock” in a Sentence
VERB + padlock: secure/fasten/attach/open/close/break a padlockpadlock + VERB: the padlock secures/protects/hangspadlock + NOUN: padlock key/hasp/shackle/mechanismVERB: to padlock something (to something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “padlock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Make sure you padlock the bike to the railings.
- The council padlocked the playground gates after dark.
- He padlocked the container shut before shipping.
American English
- Always padlock your locker at the gym.
- They padlocked the gate to keep trespassers out.
- The shed was padlocked from the outside.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'padlock' is not standardly used as an adjective. Use compound nouns: 'padlock mechanism', 'padlock security'.
American English
- N/A - 'padlock' is not standardly used as an adjective. Use compound nouns: 'padlock key', 'padlock hasp'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in logistics or security contracts regarding securing storage containers or premises.
Academic
Very rare; potentially in historical or sociological texts discussing security practices.
Everyday
Common; used for bicycles, lockers, garden sheds, gates, and storage units.
Technical
Used in locksmithing, security hardware, and engineering contexts specifying types of locking mechanisms.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “padlock”
- Using 'padlock' to refer to a built-in door lock (use 'deadbolt' or 'door lock').
- Misspelling as 'pad lock' (it is a single, solid compound noun).
- Confusing with 'combination lock' (a type of padlock) - all combination locks are padlocks, but not all padlocks use combinations.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A combination lock is a type of padlock that uses a numerical code instead of a key. So, all combination locks are padlocks, but not all padlocks are combination locks (some use keys).
Yes. To 'padlock' something means to fasten or secure it with a padlock (e.g., 'They padlocked the gate').
A padlock is portable and detachable, with its own shackle that passes through a staple or hasp on two separate objects (like a gate and post). A regular door lock is built into the door itself.
Common materials include hardened steel, brass, and aluminium. The shackle is usually the strongest part, made of hardened steel to resist cutting.
A detachable lock with a hinged or sliding shackle, designed to be passed through a staple or link and then locked shut.
Padlock is usually neutral to informal for noun; verb is neutral. in register.
Padlock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpædlɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpædlɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to put) under lock and key (padlock contributes to this general concept)”
- “lock, stock, and barrel (padlock implied as part of 'lock')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PAD (a soft cushion) and a LOCK. A padlock isn't soft, but you 'pad' (secure/protect) your things by putting a lock on them.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS A CLOSED CONTAINER (padlock as the sealing mechanism); RESTRAINT IS A LOCK (e.g., 'padlocked his emotions').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most specific definition of a padlock?