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

In total, Patriotic Millionaires UK and fellow advocacy group Tax Justice UK outline 10 tax reforms and closed loopholes, including strengthening inheritance taxes and cracking down on offshore tax avoidance. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 July 2026

That loophole allows companies to get around the regulations for human use, and customers to avoid a conversation with a health-care provider. — Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Most importantly for attendees, the Secret Service and a private security firm hired by WHCA have worked together on eliminating the loopholes that led to a security breach in April. — Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

This is much easier than having to figure out loopholes on your own. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

loop entry 3 + hole entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb

1810, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for loophole

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

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