loom

1 of 3

noun (1)

: a frame or machine for interlacing (see interlace sense 1) at right angles two or more sets of threads or yarns to form a cloth

loom

2 of 3

verb

loomed; looming; looms

intransitive verb

1
: to come into sight in enlarged or distorted and indistinct form often as a result of atmospheric conditions
Storm clouds loomed on the horizon.
2
a
: to appear in an impressively great or exaggerated form
deficits loomed large
b
: to take shape as an impending occurrence
the problems that loomed ahead

loom

3 of 3

noun (2)

: the indistinct and exaggerated appearance of something seen on the horizon or through fog or darkness
also : a looming shadow or reflection

Examples of loom in a Sentence

Verb Storm clouds loomed on the horizon. The mountains loom above the valley.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Huddart attributes the sensational fit to a tubular fabric knitted on a tubular loom. Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 After gathering the sheep's wool, it is washed and dried in the sun, then combed and woven on a loom that takes up an entire room. Ross Peleh, NPR, 25 Dec. 2024
Verb
While these issues are distressing, a much larger problem looms: the proliferation of anti-competitive, discriminatory and manipulative AI behavior that will interfere with all of our lives. Ozan Ozerk, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 Many observers have predicted that the looming energy shortage could force people in the separatist territory to travel to Moldova proper, seeking basic amenities to get through the harsh winter and placing further strain on resources. Hanna Arhirova and Joanna Kozlowska, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for loom 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English lome tool, loom, from Old English gelōma tool; akin to Middle Dutch allame tool

Verb and Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loom was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near loom

Cite this Entry

“Loom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loom. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

loom

1 of 2 noun
: a frame or machine for weaving threads or yarns to produce cloth

loom

2 of 2 verb
1
: to appear suddenly and often with a large, dim, or strange form
loomed out of the fog
2
: to be about to happen

More from Merriam-Webster on loom

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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