: 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
Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
There has to be a brutal psychology that comes with practicing hard while the great unknown looms in the air.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 16 Mar. 2026
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
An onslaught of legal battles and a looming referendum could still decide whether the gerrymandered map will be in place for the 2026 election.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loom
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Noun
With veteran craftsmen hanging up their tools in retirement, more and more factories are being forced to shutter their looms.
—Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
There has to be a brutal psychology that comes with practicing hard while the great unknown looms in the air.
—Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
In one casually stunning composition, Ion looms in the foreground over the rooftops of Cluj in the background.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
An onslaught of legal battles and a looming referendum could still decide whether the gerrymandered map will be in place for the 2026 election.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 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 27 Mar. 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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