: 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
Synonyms
Examples of loom in a Sentence
Verb
Storm clouds loomed on the horizon.
The mountains loom above the valley.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024
The facility includes two spinning halls, a warping and sizing hall, a gabardine weaving hall, and a shuttle loom weaving hall.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Dec. 2024
Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
When that threat was looming in courts last time, California stockpiled 250,000 mifepristone pills as a just-in-case.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for loom 
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
Threats of mass deportation loom heavy with the incoming presidential administration.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024
The facility includes two spinning halls, a warping and sizing hall, a gabardine weaving hall, and a shuttle loom weaving hall.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
The upcoming move looms in the background for much of an episode that is otherwise framed around a wedding celebration of Bandit's brother Radley to Frisky.
—Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
When that threat was looming in courts last time, California stockpiled 250,000 mifepristone pills as a just-in-case.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for loom
Dictionary Entries Near loom
Cite this Entry
“Loom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loom. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share