: 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
Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
Media days loom, practices gear up and teams will surely book non-conference flights.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
In the looming contract talks between Hollywood studios and above-the-line unions, confusion around AI and issues raised by the debut of synthetic actress Tilly Norwood are certain to be key themes.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loom
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Noun
Financial sacrifices, dilemmas loom Norfolk military families said the shutdown had heightened the stakes of their financial choices, from comparison-shopping for the cheapest toilet paper to frequenting Costco to buy in bulk.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
Media days loom, practices gear up and teams will surely book non-conference flights.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
Still, critics say, Starship was likely chosen for its future promise, not for its potential to perform under an ever-looming deadline.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
In the looming contract talks between Hollywood studios and above-the-line unions, confusion around AI and issues raised by the debut of synthetic actress Tilly Norwood are certain to be key themes.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 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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