Latch
/lætʃ/
Definitions
2 meaningsA device for holding a door, gate, or window shut, typically consisting of a bar that drops into a catch.
/lætʃ/
A mechanism used for fastening a door or gate.
The child couldn't reach the latch on the door.
💡 Simply: A latch is like a simple lock. It's something you use to keep a door or gate closed. Imagine your dog trying to get out of the yard—the latch on the gate is what keeps him in!
👶 For kids: A latch is like a little hook that keeps a door or gate closed.
More Examples
The gardener secured the latch on the gate.
The old latch made a loud click when the door was closed.
How It's Used
"The front door had a sturdy latch."
"Make sure the gate latch is secured to prevent the animals from escaping."
To close or fasten (a door, gate, or window) with a latch.
/lætʃ/
To fasten something with a latch.
She latched the door quietly so as not to wake the baby.
💡 Simply: To latch something is to close it using a latch. Like, you latch the gate so the cows don't wander out. Or maybe you latch the window on a windy day so it won't blow open.
👶 For kids: To latch is to close something using a latch.
More Examples
He latched the window to keep the rain out.
Make sure to latch the back gate.
How It's Used
"She latched the gate behind her as she entered the garden."
"He carefully latched the door before leaving for the night."
Idioms & expressions
latch onto
To grab or seize something, often figuratively, such as an idea or opportunity.
"The child latched onto his mother's hand."
From Middle English lacche, from Old French lasche ('catch, noose'), from Latin laqueus ('noose, snare').
The word 'latch' has been used since Middle English for various types of fasteners.
Memory tip
Think of a hook and eye - the latch is the hook.