closed shop

noun

1
: an establishment in which the employer by agreement hires only union members in good standing
2
: an exclusive group or establishment

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of closed shop was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near closed shop

Cite this Entry

“Closed shop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/closed%20shop. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

closed shop

noun
: a business in which the employer by agreement hires and retains only union members see also Labor Management Relations Act compare open shop, union shop

Note: Closed shops are illegal under the Labor Management Relations Act.

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