: 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
Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The answers to those three were, according to the show, Heather didn’t tell the truth, Emily did tell the truth, and the producers spared us further thoughts of Travis and the fruits of his loom.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2025
Marisa Garcia, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Independence Day festivities in the Windy City this year were quieter, some even postponed, under the weight of the looming threats.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loom
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Noun
The last full day will be in Naples, where Mount Vesuvius and a dramatic skyline loom.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The answers to those three were, according to the show, Heather didn’t tell the truth, Emily did tell the truth, and the producers spared us further thoughts of Travis and the fruits of his loom.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
Glaciers loomed beneath the cloud cover, and the North Atlantic lay ahead.
—Marisa Garcia, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Independence Day festivities in the Windy City this year were quieter, some even postponed, under the weight of the looming threats.
—Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 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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