lock on

verb

variants or lock onto
locked on or locked onto; locking on or locking onto; locks on or locks onto

transitive verb

: to acquire (something, such as a target or signal) automatically using a sensor (such as radar)

Examples of lock on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But now farmers who want to switch to solar are finding the strict rules are like expensive locks on their property, with high fees to get out of the agreements. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 The company said transparency in fulfillment is key to locking on sales during the holiday season and building customer loyalty. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 The Safe Haven Baby Boxes are temperature-controlled and lock on the outside after a baby has been placed inside. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Schwally's defense argued his leg locked on the accelerator and questioned the accuracy of the blood-alcohol test. — Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lock on

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lock on was in 1945

Rhymes for lock on

See All Rhymes for lock on

Browse Nearby Words

locknut
lock on
lock one's knee
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lock on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lock%20on. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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