: a frame or machine for interlacing (see interlace sense 1) at right angles two or more sets of threads or yarns to form a cloth
loomed; looming; looms
1
: to come into sight in enlarged or distorted and indistinct form often as a result of atmospheric conditions
Storm clouds loomed on the horizon.
2
a
: to appear in an impressively great or exaggerated form
deficits loomed large
b
: to take shape as an impending occurrence
the problems that loomed ahead
: the indistinct and exaggerated appearance of something seen on the horizon or through fog or darkness
also
: a looming shadow or reflection
Examples of loom in a Sentence
Verb
Storm clouds loomed on the horizon.
The mountains loom above the valley.
Recent Examples on the Web
semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
From the Luddites smashing looms in 19th-century England to autoworkers walking out over the introduction of robots to the factory floor in the 1980s, resistance has flared before either being crushed or subsiding, giving way to the new economies and social orders the technologies ushered in.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Leia Mendoza, Variety, 21 Sep. 2025
The Chicago Bears are off to an even worse start than last year, which could mean major roster additions are looming in the near future.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loom
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Noun
The Federal Reserve is closely watching spending trends as policymakers debate a path for interest rate cuts — with the first trim expected Wednesday — but signs of a weakening labor market loom over the economy.
—semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
From the Luddites smashing looms in 19th-century England to autoworkers walking out over the introduction of robots to the factory floor in the 1980s, resistance has flared before either being crushed or subsiding, giving way to the new economies and social orders the technologies ushered in.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
With artificial intelligence looming over multiple creative industries, actress Reese Witherspoon believes that filmmaking will change drastically in the near future as Hollywood adapts to new viewing habits.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 21 Sep. 2025
The Chicago Bears are off to an even worse start than last year, which could mean major roster additions are looming in the near future.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loom
Cite this Entry
“Loom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loom. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
loom
1 of 2 noun
: a frame or machine for weaving threads or yarns to produce cloth
loom
2 of 2 verb1
: to appear suddenly and often with a large, dim, or strange form
loomed out of the fog
2
: to be about to happen
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