latched; latching; latches
1
: to lay hold with or as if with the hands or arms
—used with on or onto
2
: to associate oneself intimately and often artfully
—used with on or onto
latched onto a rich widow
: any of various devices in which mating mechanical parts engage to fasten but usually not to lock something:
a
: a fastener (as for a door) consisting essentially of a pivoted bar that falls into a notch
b
: a fastener (as for a door) in which a spring slides a bolt into a hole
also
: night latch
latched; latching; latches
: to make fast with or as if with a latch
Examples of latch in a Sentence
Noun
He lifted the latch and opened the gate.
I heard her key turn in the latch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024
When Vance pushed false claims earlier this year that Haitian migrants were abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, Trump latched onto the story, despite officials in the city denying such incidents.
—Steff Danielle Thomas, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024
Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 4 Nov. 2024
GoPro More significantly, GoPro now also offers a Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit for a flawless charging experience thanks to a pogo-pin style latch – which can also directly power the device even without a battery inside.
—New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for latch 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
The dog's handler, Tombstone Deputy Marshal John Cody, was attacked by the dog shortly after 5 a.m.
Cody said Hawk had latched onto his leg and would not let go, according to CCSO.
—Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024
When Vance pushed false claims earlier this year that Haitian migrants were abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, Trump latched onto the story, despite officials in the city denying such incidents.
—Steff Danielle Thomas, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
Sometimes a correct installation uses a locked seat belt or a latch and lower anchors or a tether.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 4 Nov. 2024
GoPro More significantly, GoPro now also offers a Contacto Magnetic Door and Power Cable Kit for a flawless charging experience thanks to a pogo-pin style latch – which can also directly power the device even without a battery inside.
—New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for latch
Dictionary Entries Near latch
Cite this Entry
“Latch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latch. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
latch
1 of 3 verb1
: to get hold
2
: to attach oneself
latch
2 of 3 noun
: a catch (as a spring bolt) that holds a door or gate closed
latch
3 of 3 verb
: to catch or fasten by means of a latch
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share