spring lock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / General
Quick answer
What does “spring lock” mean?
A type of lock that automatically locks when a door or lid is closed, using the force of a spring.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of lock that automatically locks when a door or lid is closed, using the force of a spring.
Any locking mechanism where the primary latching action is provided by a compressed or extended spring, often found on doors, gates, toolboxes, and mechanical devices.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical and understood in both varieties. However, in UK technical contexts, 'sprung lock' is a rare, dated alternative.
Connotations
Neutral; implies practicality, security, and convenience in both varieties.
Frequency
More frequent in US DIY (Do-It-Yourself) and hardware contexts; equally understood in UK but slightly less frequent in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “spring lock” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] has a spring lockThe spring lock [VERB] securelya spring lock for [NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spring lock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gate is designed to spring lock upon closing.
American English
- Make sure the lid spring-locks into place.
adverb
British English
- The door closed spring-lock tight.
American English
- [Adverbial use is rare and non-standard]
adjective
British English
- We need a spring-lock mechanism for the shed.
American English
- It's a spring-lock feature on the toolbox.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in hardware manufacturing or security product descriptions.
Academic
Used in engineering, materials science, and product design texts.
Everyday
Common when discussing home fixtures, sheds, gates, or suitcases.
Technical
Standard term in locksmithing, mechanical engineering, and carpentry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spring lock”
- Confusing 'spring lock' with 'deadbolt' (which is manual). Writing 'springlock' as one word is uncommon in standard English. Using 'spring lock' to mean a lock for a water spring.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It provides basic security and convenience but is generally less secure than a deadbolt or key-operated lock, as it can often be opened from the outside when the door is ajar.
Typically, no. A spring lock is usually a simple latch mechanism. For key operation, you would need a separate cylinder lock or a different type of mortice lock.
A spring lock is a type of latch that uses a spring to return to the locked position automatically. All spring locks are latches, but not all latches are spring locks (some are manual).
Common applications include interior doors, garden gates, toolboxes, storage chests, some suitcases, and machinery guards where automatic closing is desired.
A type of lock that automatically locks when a door or lid is closed, using the force of a spring.
Spring lock is usually technical / general in register.
Spring lock: in British English it is pronounced /sprɪŋ lɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /sprɪŋ lɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No direct idioms; the term is literal]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SPRING jumping up to LOCK a door by itself as soon as it closes.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTOMATIC SECURITY IS SPRING-ACTION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a spring lock?