loon

¹loon

noun \ˈlün\

Definition of LOON

1

: lout, idler

2

chiefly Scottish : boy

3

a : a crazy person

b : simpleton

Origin of LOON

Middle English loun

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with LOON

boon, Boone, coon, croon, dune, goon, June, lune, moon, noon, prune, rune, soon, spoon, swoon, toon, tune

²loon

noun

Definition of LOON

: any of several large birds (genus Gavia of the family Gaviidae) of Holarctic regions that feed on fish by diving and have their legs placed far back under the body for optimal locomotion underwater

Illustration of LOON

Origin of LOON

of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse lōmr loon

First Known Use: 1634

loon

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Common loon, or great northern diver (Gavia immer)—Wayne Lankinen/Bruce Coleman Ltd.

Any of five species (genus Gavia) of diving birds of North America and Eurasia. Loons range in length from 2 to 3 ft (60 to 90 cm). They have small pointed wings, webs between the front three toes, legs placed far back on the body, making walking awkward, and thick plumage that is mainly black or gray above and white below. They feed mainly on fishes, crustaceans, and insects. Almost wholly aquatic, they can swim long distances underwater and can dive to a depth of 200 ft (60 m). They are generally found singly or in pairs, but some species winter or migrate in flocks. They are known for their eerie “laughing” cries.

Variants of LOON

loon or diver