Interlocking describes things that fit together by connecting or overlapping in a way that holds them securely in place. Think of how LEGO bricks snap together: the bumps on top of one brick fit perfectly into the holes on the bottom of another, creating a strong connection. That's interlocking.

Interlocking pieces form bonds that are stronger than if they simply sat side by side. Fingers interlock when you clasp your hands together, weaving between each other. Puzzle pieces interlock at their edges, each tab fitting snugly into its matching gap. Chain-link fences use interlocking metal loops that hook through one another.

The word often describes physical objects, but it can also describe connected ideas or systems. A detective might discover that two seemingly separate mysteries have interlocking clues that explain both cases. A factory might use interlocking safety systems where multiple controls must work together before dangerous machinery can start.

Interlocking connections resist being pulled apart because the pieces support and hold each other. Train tracks use interlocking switches to help prevent trains from accidentally colliding. When engineers design interlocking systems, they're creating structures where each part strengthens the whole by how it connects to its neighbors.