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

Supporters counter that the measure closes loopholes in existing law, protects privacy and safety in locker rooms and bathrooms, and establishes consistent rules for fair athletic competition across the state. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

One crucial problem was that wealth taxes tended to have loopholes that allowed the rich to shelter their assets, making these taxes a leaky bucket. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026

Fixing its arbitration loophole would help that law deliver the affordability small businesses and working families were promised. — Christian Swann, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

The league argues loopholes created by this mechanism would disrupt a functional salary cap system. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 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