loose cannon

noun

: a dangerously uncontrollable person or thing

Examples of loose cannon in a Sentence

a politician who is regarded as a loose cannon by her colleagues
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lubesnik’s boss is one of those suits who hates loose cannons and talks about city hall being on his back. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2026 Green’s big arm is a bit of a loose cannon, with 20 interceptions over his two seasons with the Razorbacks. Joseph Person, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 Ings told Deadline of his enjoyment playing the loose cannon Lyonel, whose seeming nihilism masks a more soulful core. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Jan. 2026 Hal’s also a raging loose cannon, something we’re reminded of in the first lines of the season premiere. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loose cannon

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loose cannon was in 1973

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loose cannon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loose%20cannon. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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