padlock
noun
pad·lock ˈpad-ˌläk 
: a removable lock with a shackle that can be passed through a staple or link and then secured
padlock transitive verb
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The Times described Bulger's killing as carefully planned, out of view of security cameras, and committed with a padlock stuffed into a sock. 
Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2022 When the cell doors were unlocked on Oct. 30, 2018, the morning after Bulger’s arrival, he was beaten to death with a padlock stuffed in a sock. Shelley Murphy, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2022 The Tiffany Lock bracelet’s padlock motif has a long history with the house. Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2022 The padlock itself is an important motif in the brand’s history. Dana Givens, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2022 The mechanism that opens the lock, meanwhile, is a bit of an engineering feat: The clasp features an innovative swivel that echoes the functionality of a padlock. Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2022 There is an additional grommet along the layers to allow radio antenna pass-through, plus another for the installation of an optional padlock. Talon Homer, Popular Mechanics, 22 June 2022 If the padlock in the lower left is locked, click it, and enter your password. Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 26 May 2022 Pack added a padlock, a dead bolt, and interior steel doors to the storage center. The New Yorker, 2 May 2022 See More
Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2022 When the cell doors were unlocked on Oct. 30, 2018, the morning after Bulger’s arrival, he was beaten to death with a padlock stuffed in a sock. Shelley Murphy, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2022 The Tiffany Lock bracelet’s padlock motif has a long history with the house. Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2022 The padlock itself is an important motif in the brand’s history. Dana Givens, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2022 The mechanism that opens the lock, meanwhile, is a bit of an engineering feat: The clasp features an innovative swivel that echoes the functionality of a padlock. Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2022 There is an additional grommet along the layers to allow radio antenna pass-through, plus another for the installation of an optional padlock. Talon Homer, Popular Mechanics, 22 June 2022 If the padlock in the lower left is locked, click it, and enter your password. Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 26 May 2022 Pack added a padlock, a dead bolt, and interior steel doors to the storage center. The New Yorker, 2 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English padlok, from pad- (of unknown origin) + lok lock
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
padlock 1 of 2
noun
pad·lock ˈpad-ˌläk
: a removable lock with a curved piece that snaps into a catch
padlock
2 of 2verb
padlocked; padlocking
: to fasten with a removable lock