loose end

noun

1
: something left hanging loose
2
: a fragment of unfinished business
usually used in plural
tying up loose ends

Examples of loose end in a Sentence

We still have one more loose end to deal with before we're finished with the project.
Recent Examples on the Web But just as ruthless gang leader Mason (Mekhi Phifer) and his thugs arrive to tie up their loose ends, Shaw rescues her. Courtney Howard, Variety, 10 Oct. 2024 Tidy up loose ends in preparation for something new and exciting. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024 There are several loose ends that fans are left to grapple with at the end of season 1: With Whitney’s departure from #MomTok, what will be her next move? Athena Sobhan, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2024 These unresolved loose ends loomed over a basic consensus linking the Botai culture to horse domestication. William Taylor, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loose end 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loose end.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loose end was in 1546

Dictionary Entries Near loose end

Cite this Entry

“Loose end.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loose%20end. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

loose end

noun
1
: something left hanging loose
2
: a piece of unfinished business
tying up loose ends
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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