Keeping your home or office safe starts with something simple: a good lock. Learning how to talk about “door locks” is helpful for you, an ESL learner, because it covers everyday situations like renting a place, calling a locksmith, or upgrading your home security. These words also show up in hardware stores, apartment listings, and conversations about safety. Let’s jump right in!

5 Vocabulary Words

1. Lock (Noun/Verb): A device used to keep a door closed and secure; also, the action of making something secure.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. I forgot to lock the front door this morning.

     2. The lock on the back door is broken.

     3. Please lock the door before you leave.

2. Deadbolt (Noun): A strong type of lock that moves a metal bolt deep into the door frame.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. We added a deadbolt for extra security.

     2. The deadbolt makes it harder to break in.

     3. Always use the deadbolt at night.

3. Keypad (Noun): A small set of numbered buttons used to enter a code to unlock a door.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. Our office uses a keypad instead of keys.

     2. I forgot the keypad code and had to call my roommate.

     3. Keypad locks are great because you don’t need to carry a key.

4. Locksmith (Noun): A person who makes, installs, or fixes locks and keys.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. We called a locksmith after locking ourselves out.

     2. The locksmith replaced all the old locks in the house.

     3. A good locksmith can open almost any door.

5. Rekey (Verb): To change a lock so that it works with a new key without replacing the whole lock.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. After moving in, we had the locks rekeyed.

     2. You can rekey the lock instead of buying a new one.

     3. The landlord offered to rekey the doors for free.

After we moved into our new apartment, we decided to rekey the front lock just to be safe. The landlord recommended a local locksmith, who came by and finished the job in 15 minutes. He also installed a deadbolt and showed us how to use the new keypad. Now we don’t even need to carry keys! You can just type in the code and go!