# interlocking

/ˈɪntɝˌɫɑkɪŋ/ (US) · /ˌɪntəlˈɒkɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interlocking
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a system where different parts fit together perfectly to support each other. You often see this in things like gears or in how different groups of people work together.

For teachers: a system or arrangement in which individual components are connected or coordinated to form a single, unified whole. Often describes mechanical parts or complex social and economic structures.

## Examples

- The gears form an interlocking system.
- The two companies formed an interlocking agreement to share their research and development costs.
- The interlocking nature of the trade agreements means that a disruption in one market can have a cascading effect across the entire global supply chain.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.