: 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
Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Massive columns, slender spires and impossibly balanced boulders loom above the timber.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
The film, shot in lustrous black and white by Rosi, explores life in the city in southern Italy where Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano, looms nearby.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loom
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Noun
However, John and Cal’s relationship involves more than just weaving and loom maintenance.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Massive columns, slender spires and impossibly balanced boulders loom above the timber.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
Gellibrand resident Kyla Beale said fires had been looming over the community for about two weeks following a previous heatwave earlier in January, and most of the town evacuated on Saturday.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
The film, shot in lustrous black and white by Rosi, explores life in the city in southern Italy where Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano, looms nearby.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loom
Cite this Entry
“Loom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loom. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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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