[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/latch/)

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# latch

noun (a latch, latches); verb (latch, latches, latched, latching)

«latch» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. A latch is a simple metal bar or catch that keeps a door or gate shut. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#m1)
2. To latch a door or gate is to close it with a latch. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#m2)
3. To latch on to something is to grab and hold it tightly, or to start following or understanding an idea. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#m3)
4. When a baby latches on, it attaches its mouth to the breast to feed. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#m4)

### In the lessons

In everyday life and safety: «latch the gate so the dog can't get out», «pool gates must self-latch» (an important safety rule in Australia and elsewhere). «Latchkey kid» means a child who lets themselves into an empty home after school. In stories a lifted latch creaks before someone enters. Phrases: «on the latch» (UK: shut but not locked), «latch on to», «latchkey».

### Examples

- Please close the gate and lift the latch to check it's shut. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#x1)
- The door was on the latch, so we walked straight in. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#x2)
- The pool gate must latch by itself to keep toddlers safe. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#x3)
- The puppy latched on to my sleeve and wouldn't let go. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#x4)
- She quickly latched on to the new game. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#x5)
- The latch on the old shed is rusty. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#x6)
- Grandad latched the barn door for the night. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#x7)
- He raised the latch and entered; the hall was empty. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/#x8)

### Note

Plural «latches», «latches» for the verb too. «Latch on to» (UK) or «latch onto» (US). A latch keeps a door shut but is not always a lock: you may not need a key.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «latch» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/latch/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«latch» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/latch.html) on Mova free.