Main Entry: ¹loose

Pronunciation: \ˈlüs\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): loos·er; loos·est

Etymology: Middle English lous, from Old Norse lauss; akin to Old High German lōs loose — more at -less

Date: 13th century

1 a : not rigidly fastened or securely attached b (1) : having worked partly free from attachments <a loose tooth> (2) : having relative freedom of movement c : produced freely and accompanied by raising of mucus <a loose cough> d : not tight-fitting
2 a : free from a state of confinement, restraint, or obligation <a lion loose in the streets> <spend loose funds wisely> b : not brought together in a bundle, container, or binding c archaic : disconnected, detached
3 a : not dense, close, or compact in structure or arrangement b : not solid : watery <loose stools>
4 a : lacking in restraint or power of restraint <a loose tongue> b : lacking moral restraint : unchaste c : overactive; specifically : marked by frequent voiding especially of watery stools <loose bowels>
5 a : not tightly drawn or stretched : slack b : being flexible or relaxed <stay loose>
6 a : lacking in precision, exactness, or care <loose brushwork> <loose usage> b : permitting freedom of interpretation
7 : not in the possession of either of two competing teams <a loose ball> <a loose puck>

— loose·ly adverb

— loose·ness noun