ENGLISH
REFERENCE

locksmith

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɫɑksˌmɪθ// UK //lˈɒksmɪθ// lock·smith Slang

n. a person who makes, repairs, or opens locks. In some places, this word is also used to describe a person who makes or sells illegal gambling machines.

n. a person who installs, repairs, or opens locks and keys. In specific regional or historical contexts, it may refer to an individual who operates or maintains illegal gambling devices.


SIMPLE

I called a locksmith to help me get into my locked car.

CONTEXTUAL

The local locksmith provided a duplicate key after the original was lost during the move.

COMPLEX

While the primary role of a locksmith involves securing residential and commercial properties, the term occasionally appears in historical gambling contexts to describe those who maintained illicit gaming equipment.

Origin

From Middle English loksmith; equivalent to lock + smith.

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