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

And by reclassifying them as criminal trespassers, the squatters cannot use loopholes in landlord-tenant law to remain at the property. —Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025

These disclaimers satisfy a legal loophole that allows drug compounds to be sold for lab research but not for human use. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025

Even more troubling, in upholding the ULA tax, the Court of Appeal employed some very broad language which appears to authorize an even more expansive exploitation of the Upland loophole. —Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 21 Dec. 2025

In the blink of an eye, public land was ceded to the federal government through a loophole. —Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025

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