loophole

1 of 2

noun

loop·​hole ˈlüp-ˌhōl 

plural loopholes

1

: a means of escape

especially : an ambiguity or omission in the text through which the intent of a statute, contract, or obligation may be evaded

2

a

: a small opening through which small arms may be fired

b

: a similar opening to admit light and air or to permit observation

loophole

2 of 2

verb

loopholed; loopholing; loopholes

transitive verb

: to make loopholes in

Examples of loophole in a Sentence

Noun

She took advantage of a loophole in the tax law.

His attorney has been hunting for a loophole that would allow him to get out of the deal.

tried to close a loophole in the new legislation

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the years since, many tax loopholes once available have been closed and Ireland in 2021 signed up OECD measures that include a global minimum rate of 15% for multinational corporations. —Samuel Stolton and Jennifer Duggan / Bloomberg, TIME, 10 Sep. 2024

Experts like Emily Broad Leib, the director of Harvard's Food Law and Policy Clinic, say GRAS has become a loophole that gives companies a provisional green light to put new additives in food. —Leigh Ann Winick, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2024

Nearly a century after slavery was abolished, the community uses this loophole to exploit free Black labor. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Sep. 2024

Because of these loopholes, consumer protection groups have been working to strengthen protection policies and make language more specific. —Yasmeen Saadi, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

loop entry 3

First Known Use

Noun

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb

1664, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

loophole

noun

loop·​hole

ˈlüp-ˌhōl

1

: a small opening

especially : one in a wall through which firearms may be discharged

2

: a way of escaping something

especially : a way of avoiding a law or regulation