WordGarden.ioloom
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈuːm/
US
- /ˈlum/
Meanings
Verb
to appear large, vague, or threateningly near, or to seem about to happen
Noun
a frame or machine used to weave cloth
Beyond the definition
The word "loom" works as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it means a machine used for weaving cloth. You can picture threads crossing and building fabric row by row. As a verb, it often means to appear as a large, unclear shape, often dark or a little threatening. A storm cloud might loom overhead, or a building might loom through the fog.
The word is also often used in a more figurative way. Trouble can loom ahead, and a deadline can loom over you. In these cases, it suggests that something important or worrying is getting closer and harder to ignore. Whether you are thinking of cloth, shadows, or coming trouble, "loom" gives a feeling of something taking shape or moving near.
"Loom" is a word rich with history and layered meanings, existing as two distinct parts of speech. In its noun form, a loom is a machine used for weaving fabric, traditionally operated by hand or foot. Think of intricate tapestries or sturdy cloth—all created through the careful interlacing of threads. This meaning remains vital in the world of crafts and industry today.
As a verb, "loom" has evolved a separate, powerful identity. It frequently describes something appearing as a large, shadowy shape, often indistinct and imposing. A dark mountain range might loom on the horizon, or a tall building could loom over a small street. This sense of size and vagueness carries an inherent feeling of mystery or even foreboding.
More figuratively, "loom" can suggest that something unpleasant or threatening is approaching. Danger might loom around the corner, or financial hardship could loom on the horizon. In this context, it implies a sense of inevitability—that whatever is looming is large enough that it cannot be ignored. You will also find "loom" used to describe how a deadline or event appears to grow in importance as it draws near: "The deadline loomed closer," meaning it was rapidly approaching and becoming more pressing.
So whether you are picturing the intricate workings of a weaving machine, a shadowy shape in the distance, or an impending threat, "loom" is a word that evokes images of things coming into view—often with a sense of weight, anticipation, or even dread.
Examples
- 1
Weaving tool
She learned to weave scarves on a small wooden loom.
- 2
Weather threat
Dark clouds loomed over the hills.
- 3
Foggy shape
As we walked through the fog, a huge shape loomed ahead.
- 4
Deadline pressure
A deadline was looming, so we stayed late to finish the report.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace worry
The possibility of layoffs loomed over the whole office.
- Patternloom over + person/group/place
make people feel worried or under pressure
- 6
Important worry
Money worries loomed large in their decision to move.
- Phraseloom large
seem very important or worrying
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- loomnounverb
Forms
- looming-ing formverbnoun
- loomspluralnounverb
- loomedpast tenseverbnoun