Standard Lemma guide

lockstep

adj · noun · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • UK: /ˈlɒkstɛp/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • CMU ARPABET: L AA1 K S T EH2 P Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

adj

Meaning 1

In close connection, in unison, synchronized.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A step whereby the toe of one man is brought very close to the heel of the man in front.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable, usually

Topics: government, military, politics, war

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

Close connection, unison, rigid synchronization.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, uncountable, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

An inflexible, rigid or stifling pattern.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

noun

Meaning 5

a manner of marching in file in which each person's leg moves with and behind the corresponding leg of the person ahead

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the prisoner's ankles were so chained together that they could only march in lockstep

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: march, marching

6

noun

Meaning 6

a standard procedure that is followed mindlessly

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the union's support had been in lockstep for years

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: standing operating procedure, standard operating procedure, SOP, standard procedure

History

Etymology

From lock + step.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: marssi tahdissa lähekkäin — step whereby the toe of one man is brought very close to the heel of the man in front
  • German: but see Gleichschritt — step whereby the toe of one man is brought very close to the heel of the man in front
  • Spanish: unísono — close connection, unison, rigid synchronization
  • Spanish: sincronización — close connection, unison, rigid synchronization
  • Spanish: mismo paso — close connection, unison, rigid synchronization
  • Spanish: paralelo — close connection, unison, rigid synchronization