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

The Vatican’s Jubilee Report commissioned by Pope Francis specifically called for reforms such as addressing the champerty loophole in New York and the 9% interest rate. —Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, New York Daily News, 4 June 2026

Hall, a Grass Valley resident, has been a Nevada County supervisor since 2017 and wants to end tax loopholes for billionaires and promote housing growth. —Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

Hotel leadership found a loophole through the area’s Planned District Ordinance. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026

But the policy has a massive loophole. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

loop entry 3 + hole entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb

1810, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for loophole

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

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