locker

American  

[lok-er] / ˈlɒk ər /

noun

1. a chest, drawer, compartment, closet, or the like, that may be locked, especially one at a gymnasium, school, etc. for storage and safekeeping of clothing and valuables.

2. Nautical. a chest or compartment in which to stow things.

3. a refrigerated compartment, as in a locker plant, that may be rented for storing frozen foods.

4. a person or thing that locks.

5. Digital Technology. music locker.

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locker British  

/ ˈlɒkə /

noun

1. 1. a small compartment or drawer that may be locked, as one of several in a gymnasium, etc, for clothes and valuables

   2. ( as modifier )

      a locker room

2. a person or thing that locks

3. a refrigerated compartment for keeping frozen foods, esp one rented in an establishment

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locker Idioms  

1. see Davy Jones's locker.

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Etymology

Origin of locker

First recorded in 1375–1425, locker is from the late Middle English word loker. See lock ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

But isn’t this like providing investors the keys to the Purdey gun locker to blow themselves up?

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

He began worrying about whether listeners would keep tuning in to a bunch of self-described normal guys when they could hear an entire series from an NBA player dishing on locker room antics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

After his appeals were ignored by the officials, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw pulled his squad off the field and returned to the locker room in protest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

He lay on the court in pain for a few minutes before being helped to the locker room.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

In the women’s room, she assigned me a locker, then showed me how to clock in and out.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

• chest
• closet
• trunk