: 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
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026
Others—financial irregularities, illegalities, corruption—loom in the future.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Elle Meyers, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
That frustration is why a privileged war powers act, which would only require a majority to pass, looms so large as this week begins.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loom
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Noun
Textile experts later found that these were globally the earliest figure looms found.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026
Others—financial irregularities, illegalities, corruption—loom in the future.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
However, all this work does have the shadow of doubt looming over it, as the Michigan Supreme Court could decide to weigh in on the 37 votes that were not counted.
—Elle Meyers, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
That frustration is why a privileged war powers act, which would only require a majority to pass, looms so large as this week begins.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 5 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 7 Jan. 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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