Spanish word

pestillo

Pronunciation

IPA/pesˈtiʝo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounlatch

Example

Cierra la puerta con el pestillo.

Shut the door with the latch.

Illustration for pestillo (latch)

More examples

¿Has comprobado el pestillo de la puerta?

Have you checked the latch on the door?

Core concept

Sliding metal tongue that secures a door or window by fitting into a catch.

Common phrases

  • poner el pestillo

    set the latch

  • quitar el pestillo

    remove the latch

  • comprobar el pestillo

    check the latch

Similar words

cerradura: Key-operated lock mechanism that secures a door by turning a key.
cerrojo: Horizontal metal bolt that slides from the inside into the frame to secure a door.
seguro: Simple catch or lock mechanism that stops a door or window from opening.
pasador: Rod-shaped metal pin that fits into a hole to fasten two parts together.

Definition in Spanish

Mecanismo pequeño que se fija en puertas o ventanas y mantiene la abertura cerrada mediante una barra o lengüeta que se introduce en un hueco.

Word origin

From Latin pistillum 'pestle', originally a small rod used for pressing, the word shifted to mean the short tongue or rod that is pushed into a slot to keep an opening closed.

Usage tips

  • Used for simple interior fastenings; for a keyed lock say cerradura and for a deadbolt use cerrojo.

Other meanings

  • haspnoun

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