locker
- 01 A2 Elementary
a small cupboard with a lock where you can keep your bags, clothes, or books safe.
a small, lockable cupboard or compartment used for the secure storage of personal effects in public or institutional buildings.
Simple“I forgot my gym clothes in my locker at school.”
In context“The university provides students with individual lockers in the hallway to store their heavy textbooks between lectures.”
Usageusually countable
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a storage space on a ship or boat.
a storage compartment on a maritime vessel, which may or may not be equipped with a lock.
Simple“The sailors kept their rain gear in a small locker on the deck.”
In context“The captain ordered the crew to secure all loose equipment in the chain locker before the storm reached its peak.”
Usageoften used in nautical contexts
Teacher's tipLearners may encounter this in literature or technical manuals; it does not always imply the presence of a physical lock.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
a small room or cupboard for clothes.
a closet or small storage room.
Simple“She hung her coat in the locker by the front door.”
In context“In older homes across southern Louisiana, it is common to hear residents refer to a bedroom closet simply as a locker.”
Usagespecific to Louisiana and certain Gulf Coast regions
Teacher's tipThis is a highly regional term; students should be aware of it only if they are living in or visiting the southern United States.
Usage locker room
From lock + -er (patient suffix) or -er (agent noun suffix). Cognate with German Loch, Dutch luik, and Dutch loket.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.