loom

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈlüm 

: 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

loom

2 of 3

verb

loomed; looming; looms

intransitive verb

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

loom

3 of 3

noun (2)

: the indistinct and exaggerated appearance of something seen on the horizon or through fog or darkness

also : a looming shadow or reflection

Synonyms

Verb

• brew
• impend

Examples of loom in a Sentence

Verb

Storm clouds loomed on the horizon.

The mountains loom above the valley.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Much of California faces a one-two weather punch this week as a dangerous heat wave and high fire risk loom at a time when millions will be outside celebrating Independence Day. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 1 July 2024

Sweltering heat, wildfire risk loom for July Fourth weekend. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2024

Verb

The film's July 17, 2024, release date loomed closer and closer as the strike progressed, but Chung chose to focus on the positive as the weeks turned into months. —EW.com, 11 July 2024

Kids will love wading and paddling in the tide along this mile-long sandy beach, with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge looming dramatically in the distance. —Tim Ebner, Washington Post, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English lome tool, loom, from Old English gelōma tool; akin to Middle Dutch allame tool

Verb and Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1836, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing loom

• Jacquard loom
• loom large

Kids Definition

loom

1 of 2 noun

ˈlüm 

: a frame or machine for weaving threads or yarns to produce cloth

loom

2 of 2 verb

1

: to appear suddenly and often with a large, dim, or strange form

loomed out of the fog

2

: to be about to happen