ziplock, n.

ziplock
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/ziplock_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
Revised 2021

# ziplocknoun

## Factsheet

### What does the noun ziplock mean?

There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun ziplock. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

ziplock has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

building (1920s) locksmithing (1950s)

### How common is the noun ziplock?

About 0.03occurrences per million words in modern written English

1970 | 0.026
1980 | 0.034
1990 | 0.034
2000 | 0.034
2010 | 0.042

### How is the noun ziplock pronounced?

#### British English

/ˈzɪplɒk/
ZIP-lock

#### U.S. English

/ˈzɪpˌlɑk/
ZIP-lahk

### Where does the noun ziplock come from?

Earliest known use

1920s

The earliest known use of the noun ziplock is in the 1920s.

OED's earliest evidence for ziplock is from 1928, in Lake County Times (Hammond, Indiana).

ziplock is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons: zip n.1, lock n.2

### Nearby entries

1. Ziph, n. 1834–
2. ziphian, n. & adj. 1896
3. ziphiiform, adj. 1891
4. ziphioid, adj. & n. 1861–
5. zipless, adj. 1922–
6. zip line, n. 1970–
7. zip line, v. 1998–
8. zipliner, n. 1993–
9. zip lining, n.?1983–
10. zip-lipped, adj. 1943–
11. ziplock, n.1928–
12. zipped, adj. 1931–
13. zippeite, n. 1850–
14. zipper, n. 1923–
15. zipper, v. 1927–
16. zippered, adj. 1926–
17. zipper foot, n. 1938–
18. zipperhead, n. 1967–
19. zipper problem, n. 1985–
20. Zippie, n.¹ 1968–
21. zippie, n.² 1986–

## Etymology

### Summary

Formed within English, by compounding.
< zip n.1 + lock n.2

## Meaning & use

Originally U.S.

1. I.
   Compounds.
   1. I.1.
      1928–
      As a modifier. Designating something which closes or fastens by means of a zip. Also: designating a bag, etc., with a lockable zip.
      Somewhat rare in comparison with sense I.2.
      1. 1928

         > Pencil Cases, zip lock closing.

         Lake County Times (Hammond, Indiana) 4 September 3 (advertisement)
      2. 1952

         > Bond's famous zip-lock split-leather bag... Appointed with slide zipper that locks.

         Washington Post 5 June 4/6 (advertisement)
      3. 1973

         > Winter jackets... They feature snap over zipper fronts and zip lock pocket flaps to protect from snow or water.

         Daily Tribune (Wisconsin Rapids) 2 October 18 (advertisement)
      4. 1998

         > The zip lock fastening system for the cover is the industry's easiest access cover.

         Daily News (N.W. Florida) 15 September a5/2 (advertisement)
      building U.S. English
      1. zippered 1926–
         Esp. of an item of clothing: fastened by means of a zipper, having a zipper.
      2. ziplock 1928–
         As a modifier. Designating something which closes or fastens by means of a zip. Also: designating a bag, etc., with a lockable zip.
      3. zipped 1931–
         Of a garment, bag, or other item: fastened by means of a zip; having a zip.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
   2. I.2.
      1968–
      As a modifier. Also with capital initial. Designating a sealable plastic bag with a two-part strip along the opening that can be pressed together, or fastened with a zip-like slider, and readily reopened. Chiefly in ziplock bag.
      In form Ziploc, a proprietary name.
      1. 1968

         > New Ziploc Food Storage Bags have a built-in moisture-tight seal that zips open, zips shut!

         Holland (Michigan) Evening Sentinel 10 September 12 (advertisement)
      2. 1977

         > Spenser rummaged among the Ziploc bags in his briefcase.

         C. McFadden, Serial (1978) l. 107/1
      3. 1994

         > My first-aid kit with everything that needs to stay dry packed in zip-lock freezer bags.

         J. Milne, Getting Back iv. 42 (caption)
      4. 2015

         > We both look down at his hand and he's carrying weed in a Ziploc bag.

         A. Silvera, More Happy than Not 18
      U.S. English
      1. jewel bag 1853–
         A (typically small) bag or pouch for storing or carrying gems or jewellery, occasionally one specifically intended to be worn underneath clothing…
      2. jewellery bag 1855–
         A (typically small) bag or pouch for carrying or storing gems or jewellery, occasionally one specifically intended to be worn underneath clothing…
      3. ziplock 1968–
         As a modifier. Also with capital initial. Designating a sealable plastic bag with a two-part strip along the opening that can be pressed… In form Ziploc, a proprietary name.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
2. II.
   Simple uses.
   1. II.3.
      1956–
      A lock or fastener which prevents a zip from opening; a lockable zip.
      Somewhat rare in comparison with sense II.4, and perhaps not always as a fixed collocation.
      In quot. 1947: the brand name of a padlock which is fastened or opened by sliding the case of the lock along a long, notched steel shackle.
      1. [1947

         > A new locking principle makes the Ziplock a handy gadget to provide security for bicycles, duffel bags, golf bags and similar equipment.

         Newburyport (Massachusetts) Daily News 3 October 5/2 (advertisement) ]
      2. 1956

         > Feather-lite luggage..for every travel or vacation need... Zip-locks keep packables safe and snug.

         Chester (Pennsylvania) Times 1 August 7/2 (advertisement)
      3. 2005

         > Purses... Chic design combined with secure zip locks.

         Times 13 August 46/2
      locksmithing building U.S. English
      1. wire 1426–7
         A piece or length of wire.
      2. drawbar 1530–
         A heavy wooden or iron sliding bar used to secure a door (or occasionally a window shutter or shutters) when closed, typically passing…
      3. button 1676–
         A small, pivoted, wooden knob or bar for fastening or securing a door, window, etc. Now only in turn button, n..
      4. strap 1753
         A narrow band of iron or other metal used in the form of a plate, loop, or ring for fastening a thing in position, holding together timbers, parts of…
      5. draw bolt 1809–
         a. A sliding bolt used to secure a door; cf. drawbar, n. 1; b. the bolt of a coupling mechanism at the end of a railway carriage or other…
      6. dog bolt 1810–
         Building, Engineering, and Nautical. Any of several kinds of device for holding something in place or holding two things together. Cf. dog, n.¹…
      7. quick-set 1842–52
         A fastening device consisting of a hooked screw and nut (see quots.).
      8. turnbuckle 1849–
         A coupling with internal screw threads for connecting the ends of metal rods, wires, etc., and adjusting their tension or total length.
      9. bottle screw 1903–
         Now chiefly Nautical. A coupling device consisting of a metal sleeve or case with a counter-threaded hook or eye-bolt screw at both ends, which may…
      10. ziplock 1956–
          A lock or fastener which prevents a zip from opening; a lockable zip.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
      1. inlock 1488–1500
         ‘A great lock’ (Jamieson).
      2. through-lock 1527–1617
         A lock with a keyhole passing through the width of a door so as to be operable from either side.
      3. treble lock 1680–
         A lock operating by three turns of the key.
      4. screw lock 1685–
         A lock operated by turning a key with a spiral thread on a correspondingly threaded pin (pin, n.¹ I.1e), or a screw in a correspondingly threaded…
      5. French lock 1787–
         A lock (for a door, etc.) of a type manufactured in or associated with France; esp. a lock with a complex tumbler mechanism, noted for its security.
      6. ringlock 1789–
         A lock in which a number of grooved rings must be adjusted before the bolt can be drawn.
      7. deadlock 1793–
         Any of various types of lock which can only be operated using a key, both to open and to close, as opposed to a lock with a spring-loaded latch (see s…
      8. thumb-lock 1801–
         a. A kind of lock which is opened by pressing with the thumb; b. plural = thumbscrew, n. 2.
      9. deadbolt 1808–
         A bolt in a lock that is engaged by means of a key, knob, or (later) electronic device, rather than by a spring action. Also: any of various…
      10. safety lock 1823–
          A locking device which prevents easy or accidental access to an area, machine, container, etc., thus averting damage or injury.
      11. deadlatch 1825–
          Any of various types of latch that can be set to lock a door as it closes, typically operated with a key on one side and a handle on the other.
      12. bar-lock 1828–
          In sense I.i.1, as bar-lock, etc.
      13. coach lock 1830–1919
          Any of various locks used in the doors of horse-drawn coaches and (later) early motor cars.
      14. permutation lock 1835–
          = combination lock, n.
      15. left-hand lock 1837–
          A lock that turns the bolt to the left; cf. right-hand lock, n.
      16. pin lock 1851–
          A lock having or operated by a pin; spec. (a) a lock having a pin on to which the hollow shank of a key fits; (b) a lock operated by a pin which…
      17. time lock 1858–
          A lock fitted with a device or mechanism which prevents its being unlocked until a set time.
      18. garret-lock 1860–
          (See quot.).
      19. seal-lock 1871–
          A lock fitted with a ‘seal’ (often a small square of glass) which must be broken before the lock can be opened.
      20. Bramah-lock 1875–
      21. cylinder lock 1878–
          A lock (esp. a door-lock) in which a pin tumbler mechanism is contained inside a cylinder barrel.
      22. turn lock 1878–
          A lock operated by being turned (as opposed to bolted, fastened with a key, etc.).
      23. police lock 1910–
          A device fitted in addition to a standard lock on a door or window to prevent it from being opened or to allow it to open only a certain distance.
      24. ziplock 1956–
          A lock or fastener which prevents a zip from opening; a lockable zip.
      25. child lock 1961–
          Any of various locking devices designed to prevent a child from opening, accessing, or using something which is perceived as unsuitable or…
      26. solenoid lock 1976–
      27. D-lock 1990–
          A portable, heavy-duty lock used chiefly to secure a bicycle or motorcycle, consisting of a U-shaped metal bar which is fitted into a crosspiece.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
   2. II.4.
      1974–
      Also with capital initial. A sealable plastic bag with a two-part strip along the opening that can be pressed together, or fastened with a zip-like slider, and readily reopened; a ziplock bag (see sense I.2).
      In form Ziploc, a proprietary name.
      1. 1974

         > Big Saran Wrap! Qt. size Ziplocs!

         News-Palladium (Benton Harbor, Michigan) 14 March 28 (advertisement)
      2. 1984

         > Jankovitch grabs the car keys, the German knife, wallet, cash and by reflex, the ziploc of powder.

         M. A. Jarman, Dancing nightly in Tavern 2
      3. 2010

         > If you are using a ziplock, make sure you expel all the air before stowing it.

         Trail Spring 44/1
      U.S. English
      1. net bag 1598–
         a. The pocket of a bag-net; b. a bag made of net or netting.
      2. hair bag 1712–
         a. A bag made of hair or of very thin thread; b. a bag in which human hair is kept; c. (see quot. 1966).
      3. paper bag 1723–
         A small bag made of paper, esp. one used to hold small items of merchandise.
      4. thread bag 1924–
         A small cloth bag, tied or drawn closed with a thread or string.
      5. plastic bag 1941–
         A bag made from plastic, esp. a disposable shopping bag.
      6. polybag 1964–
         A bag made of polythene film; a plastic bag.
      7. cool bag 1971–
         A bag made of insulated material, used for keeping food and drink cool.
      8. ziplock 1974–
         Also with capital initial. A sealable plastic bag with a two-part strip along the opening that can be pressed together, or fastened with a… In form Ziploc, a proprietary name.
      9. buveera 1994–
         With plural agreement: plastic bags, plastic packaging. Cf. kaveera, n.
      10. kaveera 1994–
          With singular agreement. As a mass noun: plastic bags, plastic packaging; (as a count noun) a plastic bag, a piece of plastic. Cf. buveera, n.
      View in Historical Thesaurus

## Pronunciation

### British English

/ˈzɪplɒk/
ZIP-lock

### U.S. English

/ˈzɪpˌlɑk/
ZIP-lahk

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye*
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but /ˈpɛdl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- ifleece, happy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- ætrap, bath
- ɑlot, palm, cloth, thought
- ɑrstart
- ɔcloth, thought
- ɔrnorth, force
- ʊfoot
- ugoose
- əstrut, comma
- ərnurse, letter
- ɪ(ə)rnear
- ɛ(ə)rsquare
- ʊ(ə)rcure
- eɪface
- aɪpride
- aʊmouth
- oʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ɑ̃gratin
- æ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.

##### Consonants

b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values

- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige

##### Vowels

- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot

## Forms

### Variant forms

1. 1900s–
   ziploc (in senses I.2 and II.4), ziplock

## Frequency

ziplock typically occurs about 0.03 times per million words in modern written English.

ziplock is in frequency band 3, which contains words occurring between 0.01 and 0.1 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

### Frequency of ziplock, n., 1970–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
1970 | 0.026
1980 | 0.034
1990 | 0.034
2000 | 0.034
2010 | 0.042

### Frequency of ziplock, n., 2017–2024

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the corpus.

Period | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
2017 | 0.056
2018 | 0.059
2019 | 0.062
2020 | 0.062
2021 | 0.066
2022 | 0.069
2023 | 0.069
2024 | 0.067

Originally published as part of the entry for zip, int. & n.¹

ziplock, n. was revised in March 2021.

ziplock, n. was last modified in December 2023.