latch

Everyday

1. A latch is a simple metal bar or catch that keeps a door or gate shut. tree →
2. To latch a door or gate is to close it with a latch. tree →
3. To latch on to something is to grab and hold it tightly, or to start following or understanding an idea. tree →
4. When a baby latches on, it attaches its mouth to the breast to feed. tree →

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 →
• The door was on the latch, so we walked straight in. tree →
• The pool gate must latch by itself to keep toddlers safe. tree →
• The puppy latched on to my sleeve and wouldn't let go. tree →
• She quickly latched on to the new game. tree →
• The latch on the old shed is rusty. tree →
• Grandad latched the barn door for the night. tree →
• He raised the latch and entered; the hall was empty. tree →

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.