latch

1 of 3

verb (1)

latched; latching; latches

intransitive verb

1
: to lay hold with or as if with the hands or arms
used with on or onto
2
: to associate oneself intimately and often artfully
used with on or onto
latched onto a rich widow

latch

2 of 3

noun

: any of various devices in which mating mechanical parts engage to fasten but usually not to lock something:
a
: a fastener (as for a door) consisting essentially of a pivoted bar that falls into a notch
b
: a fastener (as for a door) in which a spring slides a bolt into a hole
also : night latch

latch

3 of 3

verb (2)

latched; latching; latches

transitive verb

: to make fast with or as if with a latch

Examples of latch in a Sentence

Noun He lifted the latch and opened the gate. I heard her key turn in the latch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Chappell, Charli and Tinashe are each their own singular brand of pop star and have given people something fresh to latch onto. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 18 June 2024 Some celebrity gossip trackers have latched onto the conspiracy theory that Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck manufactured their breakup drama to distract from poor ticket sales and give J.Lo an excuse to drop out. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 10 June 2024
Noun
Lamborghini recalls 2,000 cars for hood detachment Lamborghinis are being recalled 2,133 vehicles for a malfunction with the hood latch striker that could cause the hood to open or detach while driving, according to a NHTSA report. Kira Caspers, The Arizona Republic, 29 May 2024 To avoid the weight, lack of aerodynamics, and complexity of hinges and latches, the Bülk uses velcro extensively. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 12 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for latch 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'latch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English lachen, from Old English læccan; perhaps akin to Greek lambanein to take, seize

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of latch was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near latch

Cite this Entry

“Latch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latch. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

latch

1 of 3 verb
1
: to get hold
2
: to attach oneself

latch

2 of 3 noun
: a catch (as a spring bolt) that holds a door or gate closed

latch

3 of 3 verb
: to catch or fasten by means of a latch

More from Merriam-Webster on latch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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