What does "unlocked" mean?

[kyboy]

I am looking at purchasing a phone on Swappa and the description says "this device is unlocked". What exactly does that mean and should I be concerned? I am on Verizon and the phone is listed as Verizon, includes the box indicating its from Verizon, and the seller says it is the original box with matching numbers to the phone. The seller is trusted and has many completed sales with excellent feedback so I am not concerned there, only with what "unlocked" means and does/will it affect the performance or function of the phone when activated on Verizon? Thanks in advance.
Philip

 

[lloydstrans]

Unlocked means it can go to most carriers.

 

[kyboy]

Thanks for the help. I picked it up and should be here in a couple of days.

 

[lloydstrans]

Verizon phone staying on Verizon you should be good to go, good luck.

 

[lloydstrans]

Couple days, patience isn't a virtue when it comes to waiting on technology.