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

For a while, we got hung up on whether Wanted is a movie about superheroes or just a movie about a bunch of assholes who can bend bullets and see the future through use of a magic loom. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2024

Advertisement Clinton is the latest high-profile Democrat politician to tune into Southern California as the Nov. 5 election looms. —Angie Orellana Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024

Verb

Michigan’s biggest 2024 election contests The presidential race is looming over the whole nation, but is especially close in Michigan, one of seven key swing states this cycle. —Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

The perception that service is falling apart can also hurt efforts to get more state funding for transit, a key concern for Chicago-area transportation agencies as the end of federal COVID-19 relief dollars looms. —Sarah Freishtat, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 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