loophole

1 of 2

noun

loop·​hole ˈlüp-ˌhōl How to pronounce loophole (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Congress had considered updating the 2018 Farm Bill to end what many see as a loophole in the legislation that led to products with intoxicating compounds including delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC, THCA and more. A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 Earlier that season, Bill Belichick had exploited a loophole in the NFL rulebook by committing consecutive penalties that kept the clock running for an extra minute and a half during a 33-0 blowout of the Jets. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025 Unlike New York, Nevada does not ban assault weapons, does not require permits to purchase them, has no mandatory waiting periods, and has loopholes in its background check system. Rebecca Fischer, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025 The tugboat pushing a barge that slammed into a sailboat carrying summer campers in Biscayne Bay — killing two girls and seriously injuring two others — may not have been operated by a licensed captain because of loopholes in Coast Guard regulations, maritime experts told the Miami Herald. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loophole

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of loophole was in 1591

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loophole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loophole. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on loophole

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