How to Pronounce Lock

To pronounce "lock", say LOCK — one syllable, IPA /lɒk/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

lock

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying lock, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

1

Syllable

4

Letters

/lɒk/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “lock”

"lock" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with gawk and stock, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: locke, lok, laack, laake — easy to mix up when writing.

What does lock mean?

noun

  1. Something used for fastening, which can only be opened with a key or combination.
  2. (by extension) A mutex or other token restricting access to a resource.

verb

  1. To become fastened in place.

    “If you put the brakes on too hard, the wheels will lock.”

  2. To fasten with a lock.

    “Remember to lock the door when you leave.”

Antonyms

unlock

Words that rhyme with lock

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

gawkstockcockstalkshockblocksquawkmockbaulkknockhawkflock

Related words

interlockmeshinterlacewhorlcurlringlet

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "lock"?▾

"Lock" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "lock"?▾

The IPA transcription of "lock" is /lɒk/.

What does "lock" mean?▾

Lock: Something used for fastening, which can only be opened with a key or combination.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “lock” in the full dictionary →