padlock UK /ˈpæ̞dˌlɒk/US /ˈpædˌlɑk/noun 1verb 1forms 3 noun1 •A detachable lock that can be used to secure something by means of a sliding or hinged shackle verb1 •To lock using a padlock.Janitors padlock the gates. — 1989 formspadlocked · padlocking · padlocks