Pronunciation: [lˈɒkɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The word "lockage" is spelled with a hard "k" sound, as indicated by the phonetic transcription //ˈlɒkɪdʒ//. This word refers to the blocking or obstruction of a passageway, such as a canal or river, and is commonly used in maritime or transportation contexts. Despite its simplicity, the spelling of "lockage" may confuse non-native English speakers due to the incongruence between the "k" and "g" sounds in the word's pronunciation.
Lockage is a noun that refers to the condition or act of being locked or obstructed. It specifically denotes the process or result of blocking, hindering, or closing a passage or thoroughfare. The term is commonly used in situations where the normal flow, movement, or access is impeded due to some form of obstruction or barrier.
In the context of waterways or canals, lockage refers to the mechanism by which vessels are raised or lowered in order to navigate through different water levels. It involves the movement of boats or ships in and out of locks, which are enclosed areas with gates at each end. Locks are typically used to allow boats to traverse sections of a canal or river where there is a difference in water elevations.
Lockage can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where something is stuck, jammed, or blocked, preventing it from functioning or progressing. For example, in plumbing, lockage may refer to the clogging or obstruction of a pipe or drain, thereby impeding the flow of water or waste. Similarly, in traffic, lockage can occur when vehicles become jammed or congested, resulting in a standstill or slow movement.
Overall, lockage pertains to the state of being locked or obstructed, whether it involves the movement of vessels through waterways or more generally refers to the hindrance or closure of a passage, flow, or access point.
The whole locks on a canal; a toll paid for passing through.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "lockage" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words: "lock" and "-age".
"Lock" comes from the Old English word "loc", which means "enclosure" or "barrier". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "luka" and the Proto-Indo-European root "leug-", meaning "to close" or "to hide". The concept of a lock as a device to fasten or secure something originated in Middle English.
The suffix "-age" is a common suffix in English derived from Old French. It is used to form nouns that indicate a state, condition, or action related to the word it is attached to.
