loom

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈlüm 

: 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

Synonyms

Verb

• brew
• impend

Examples of loom in a Sentence

Verb

Storm clouds loomed on the horizon.

The mountains loom above the valley.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Photo: Liam Freeman The atelier, where the shuttles of weaving looms clatter rhythmically, is Norlha’s beating heart. —Liam Freeman, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2024

Lawmakers are poised to tweak it Fatigue and frustration as final do-over mayoral election looms in Connecticut’s largest city Poway etches name among state’s greats with team wrestling title What would happen without a Leap Day? —San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Nov. 2024

Verb

However, the concerns of the fiscal sustainability of the Blueprint have only grown stronger with looming budget shortfalls. —Abby Beytin, Baltimore Sun, 5 Dec. 2024

As for looming price hikes, management didn’t share any specific figures around increases and likely won’t until Trump officially takes office. —Jeff Marks,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing loom

• Jacquard loom
• loom large

Kids Definition

loom

1 of 2 noun

ˈlüm 

: 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