latched; latching; latches

intransitive verb

1
: to lay hold with or as if with the hands or arms
used with on or onto
2
: to associate oneself intimately and often artfully
used with on or onto
latched onto a rich widow

latch

2 of 3

noun

: any of various devices in which mating mechanical parts engage to fasten but usually not to lock something:
a
: a fastener (as for a door) consisting essentially of a pivoted bar that falls into a notch
b
: a fastener (as for a door) in which a spring slides a bolt into a hole
also : night latch

latch

3 of 3

verb (2)

latched; latching; latches

transitive verb

: to make fast with or as if with a latch

Examples of latch in a Sentence

Noun He lifted the latch and opened the gate. I heard her key turn in the latch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
But even pinned down, Augustin reportedly latched onto his sister’s hair and pants, refusing to release his grip as authorities arrived. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 14 Mar. 2025 Parents in rural areas also often lack the basic knowledge about the practical side of breastfeeding, including how much milk a newborn needs to drink, how to properly latch, and how to count wet diapers as a means of understanding how much milk their newborns are drinking. Melissa Willets, Parents, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
Motorized latches then engaged to pull the capsule into the docking mechanism for an airtight structural seal. William Harwood, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2025 With my Voja Medium, the sturdy latches snap shut with a satisfying click, keeping everything secure. Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for latch

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English lachen, from Old English læccan; perhaps akin to Greek lambanein to take, seize

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of latch was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Latch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latch. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: to get hold
2
: to attach oneself

latch

2 of 3 noun
: a catch (as a spring bolt) that holds a door or gate closed

latch

3 of 3 verb
: to catch or fasten by means of a latch

More from Merriam-Webster on latch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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