electronic lock

Meaning

An electronic lock is a locking device that operates by means of electric current, usually opened with a keycard, keypad code, or smartphone app. In modern travel, these have largely replaced traditional metal keys in hotels and vacation rentals for security and convenience. They are also referred to as smart locks or digital locks.

Examples

• Most modern hotels use an electronic lock system where you just tap your keycard against the reader.

  Most modern hotels use an electronic lock system where you just tap your keycard against the reader.

• The Airbnb host sent us a four-digit code to open the electronic lock on the front door.

  The Airbnb host sent us a four-digit code to open the electronic lock on the front door.

• If the electronic lock's battery dies, there is usually a physical backup key hidden nearby.

  If the electronic lock's battery dies, there is usually a physical backup key hidden nearby.

• I prefer staying at rentals with an electronic lock because I don't have to worry about losing physical keys.

  I prefer staying at rentals with an electronic lock because I don't have to worry about losing physical keys.

• The blue light on the electronic lock indicates that the door has successfully unlocked.

  The blue light on the electronic lock indicates that the door has successfully unlocked.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I unlocked the door with the electric lock.

  ✓ I unlocked the door with the electronic lock.

  'Electric' refers to things that run on electricity directly (like an electric kettle). 'Electronic' refers to devices using microchips, digital technology, or complex circuitry, which applies to modern keyless locks.

• ✗ The hotel has electronic keys on every door.

  ✓ The hotel has electronic locks on every door.

  The key is the card or code (keycard/digital key), while the lock is the actual mechanism attached to the door.

Related Expressions

Practice

• To enter the apartment, just type the code into the ___ next to the handle.

  💡 The digital device that keeps the door secure.

  Show answer

  electronic lock

• The receptionist explained that the ___ would automatically lock after five seconds.

  💡 A modern, keyless locking system.

  Show answer

  electronic lock