loophole

1 of 2

noun

loop·​hole ˈlüp-ˌhōl 

plural loopholes

1

: a means of escape

especially : an ambiguity or omission in the text through which the intent of a statute, contract, or obligation may be evaded

2

a

: a small opening through which small arms may be fired

b

: a similar opening to admit light and air or to permit observation

loophole

2 of 2

verb

loopholed; loopholing; loopholes

transitive verb

: to make loopholes in

Examples of loophole in a Sentence

Noun

She took advantage of a loophole in the tax law.

His attorney has been hunting for a loophole that would allow him to get out of the deal.

tried to close a loophole in the new legislation

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Neither Willens nor Holland & Knight’s Rizzi view the tax provision as a loophole. —Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2024

Commerce is looking to tackle a major loophole with the establishment of two new foreign direct product rules. —Maria Curi, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024

They should be found by closing up tax loopholes and ending other corporate welfare, not by cutting the help given to the poor and the middle class. —Lz Granderson, The Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2024

Trump may close this loophole with restrictions on Chinese companies’ use of cloud computing. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

loop entry 3

First Known Use

Noun

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb

1664, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

loophole

noun

loop·​hole

ˈlüp-ˌhōl

1

: a small opening

especially : one in a wall through which firearms may be discharged

2

: a way of escaping something

especially : a way of avoiding a law or regulation