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

The decision shuts down what the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) argued was a legal loophole that allowed officers to seize property under state law and process it federally—while still receiving an up-to-80% kickback from the proceeds from the feds. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

This was a loophole essentially in the law that wasn't prepared for A.I. technology and deepfake technology. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

Board members noted that the incident indicates the need to lose the legal loophole. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025

Those prior policies effectively addressed specific tax avoidance strategies and closed genuine loopholes. —Mary D. Kane, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2025

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