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

Yet the phenomenon isn’t likely to disappear soon, thanks to a combination of disappearing oil refineries, a lack of interstate pipelines and a loophole in a 106-year-old maritime law. —Will Kubzansky, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026

Texas should take a firm, commonsense approach that protects public safety and closes loopholes. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

Now, athletes should be able to dissect loopholes within the archaic NCAA eligibility system, which seems to be dissolving slowly in real time. —Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026

The Utah Jazz appeared to find a loophole in the NBA’s player participation policy, but the league sent a message Thursday by hitting them with a $500,000 fine. —Mark Anderson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 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