padlock

UK: /ˈpædlɒk/ US: /ˈpædˌlɑk/ ,(pad′lok′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

pad•lock /ˈpædˌlɑk/   n. [countable]

1. Building a small lock made of a U-shaped bar that can be opened and swung away.

v. [~ + object]

2. Building to fasten with or as if with a padlock:
   The file cabinet was padlocked.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pad•lock  (pad′lok′), n. 

1. a portable or detachable lock with a pivoted or sliding shackle that can be passed through a link, ring, staple, or the like.

v.t. 

2. to fasten with or as with a padlock.

• late Middle English padlok. See pod³, lock¹ 1425–75

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

padlock / ˈpædˌlɒk/ noun

1. a detachable lock having a hinged or sliding shackle, which can be used to secure a door, lid, etc, by passing the shackle through rings or staples

verb

1. (transitive) to fasten with or as if with a padlock

Etymology: 15th Century pad, of obscure origin