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

And the project is taking advantage of a loophole in Greenlandic law intended to ban oil drilling. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025

The next administration could once again allow smugglers to exploit loopholes that resulted in hundreds of thousands of children being pushed across the border. —Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

Money that could strengthen communities or fund innovation instead sits idle, protected by leverage and loopholes. —Scott Ellis, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

The new policy aims to close the loophole, requiring the vehicle owner to either pay all of the delinquent citations in full immediately or schedule a virtual or in-person municipal court appearance to redeem their vehicle. —Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025

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

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