: 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
Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Crafted from fine yarns spun on jacquard looms using the fil coupé technique, they are defined by softness and versatility.
—Andrea Onate, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025
Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025
Increasing competition from China, which is able to produce machinery and other industrial products more cheaply than German firms, and the looming threat of tariffs from the United States have added to the pressure on Germany’s industry.
—Melissa Eddy, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loom
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Noun
The sweeping offer that could significantly reshape the United States government workforce has sparked concern and uncertainty among employees, particularly as the deadline to resign looms.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Crafted from fine yarns spun on jacquard looms using the fil coupé technique, they are defined by softness and versatility.
—Andrea Onate, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
The 2017 tax cuts that congressional Republicans want to renew expire at the end of 2025 — a looming deadline for both chambers.
—Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025
Increasing competition from China, which is able to produce machinery and other industrial products more cheaply than German firms, and the looming threat of tariffs from the United States have added to the pressure on Germany’s industry.
—Melissa Eddy, New York Times, 21 Feb. 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 1 Mar. 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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