lock screen

noun

plural lock screens
: a graphical user interface displayed by a device (such as a computer or smartphone) that prevents access to most functions of the device until a certain action (such as swiping one's finger across the screen or entering a predetermined code) is performed
Speaking of locking your phone, Android typically shows notifications on your lock screen by default—which means the contents of messages you receive might be visible to anyone who looks at your device, even if they can't unlock it.JR Raphael

Examples of lock screen 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.
Now Warning Issued To All iPhone Users The Game Awards 2024 Live Winners List, And Game Of The Year Physical access can allow law enforcement to bypass the first line of defense—your smartphone’s lock screen. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 This employs the old device lock screen credentials. Davey Winder, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 Amazon’s latest Fire HD 10 with 32GB of storage and lock screen ads starts at just $74.99 ($65 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which is its best price yet. Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2024 Messages and notifications now come with quick AI summaries right on the lock screen. Jackie Snow, Quartz, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lock screen 

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lock screen was in 1991

Dictionary Entries Near lock screen

Cite this Entry

“Lock screen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lock%20screen. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.

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