: 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
Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Though the looms were in use by the doomed mill for a brief period, RJ Brot, a partner at Exarcha Group, told SJ Denim that Vidalia did not have ownership of the machinery.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 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
In another room, a loom with a rug bearing a traditional Tibetan tiger motif was juxtaposed with the Yore bag, as the big cat’s teeth inspired the cuts on the design, worn by new friend of the house Isabelle Huppert.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Though the looms were in use by the doomed mill for a brief period, RJ Brot, a partner at Exarcha Group, told SJ Denim that Vidalia did not have ownership of the machinery.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 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 15 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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