: a frame or machine for interlacing (see interlace sense 1) at right angles two or more sets of threads or yarns to form a cloth
loomed; looming; looms
1
: to come into sight in enlarged or distorted and indistinct form often as a result of atmospheric conditions
Storm clouds loomed on the horizon.
2
a
: to appear in an impressively great or exaggerated form
deficits loomed large
b
: to take shape as an impending occurrence
the problems that loomed ahead
: the indistinct and exaggerated appearance of something seen on the horizon or through fog or darkness
also
: a looming shadow or reflection
Examples of loom in a Sentence
Verb
Storm clouds loomed on the horizon.
The mountains loom above the valley.
Recent Examples on the Web
William Gavin, Quartz, 10 Mar. 2025
The loss breathes real life into a Utah side that — despite trailing Vancouver significantly — looms as one of the biggest threats to Vancouver’s claim to the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
The French emperor is a looming figure in Scott’s oeuvre.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loom
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Noun
Bitcoin tumbled as low as $80,000 on Sunday, slightly bouncing back before hitting a new low this year, as fears of a recession loom.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 10 Mar. 2025
The loss breathes real life into a Utah side that — despite trailing Vancouver significantly — looms as one of the biggest threats to Vancouver’s claim to the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
On the other hand, supporters of reform say Social Security's looming financial shortfall means all options should be considered.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
The French emperor is a looming figure in Scott’s oeuvre.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loom
Cite this Entry
“Loom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loom. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
loom
1 of 2 noun
: a frame or machine for weaving threads or yarns to produce cloth
loom
2 of 2 verb1
: to appear suddenly and often with a large, dim, or strange form
loomed out of the fog
2
: to be about to happen
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