latchnoun [ C ]
uk/lætʃ/us/lætʃ/a device for keeping a door or gate closed, consisting of a metal bar that fits into a hole and is lifted by pushing down on another bar
on the latch UK
closed but not locked:
Don't forget to leave the front door on the latch if you go to bed before I get back.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Building: locks & locksmithing
- bolt
- catch
- combination
- deadbolt
- deadlock
- fastener
- fastening
- hasp
- key
- key ring
- keycard
- keyhole
- lock
- locksmith
- master key
- mortise lock
- padlock
- pass key
- skeleton key
- Yale lock
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Open and closed
latchverb [ I or T ]
uk/lætʃ/us/lætʃ/to close, or close something, with a latch
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Locking and bolting
- bar
- batten
- bolt
- handcuff
- lock
- lock (sth) up
- lock sb in
- lock sb out
- lock sth away
- lockable
- love lock
- manacle
- padlock
- shut
- shut sth away
- under lock and key idiom
Phrasal verb(s)
latch on
latch onto sth
latch onto sb