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 past, foreign workers were imported through loophole schemes, such as the Technical Intern Training Program, from 1993, which was framed as promoting development aid. —Gracia Liu-Farrer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025

Those concerns surfaced after a legal loophole was found in a new Colorado law. —Gabriela Vidal, CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025

Nonpartisan, laser-focused on exposing the systems, the loopholes, power structures and silencing mechanisms that have protected predators for far too long. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025

However, enterprising businesses quickly found a loophole by extracting Delta-8-THC from low-potency industrial hemp. —Mary Jane Gibson, Rolling Stone, 16 Nov. 2025

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