: 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
loomed; looming; looms
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
: 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
Eleanor Dearman
august 18, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2025
Morrison connected with the new owner of the White Oak property, who agreed to set aside two of the plant’s 46 looms.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
The urgency is tied to looming changes in federal policy.
—Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loom
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Noun
Most of the Democratic lawmakers, including lawmakers representing Tarrant County, returned to Austin on Monday, moving their focus to the House floor and legal fights over a possible new congressional map that likely loom.
—Eleanor Dearman
august 18, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2025
Morrison connected with the new owner of the White Oak property, who agreed to set aside two of the plant’s 46 looms.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
But one big issue loomed over the museum — the ethics of displaying human remains, many of them donated by physicians or from private collections.
—Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
The urgency is tied to looming changes in federal policy.
—Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loom
Cite this Entry
“Loom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loom. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
loom
1 of 2 noun
: a frame or machine for weaving threads or yarns to produce cloth
loom
2 of 2 verb1
: to appear suddenly and often with a large, dim, or strange form
loomed out of the fog
2
: to be about to happen
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