loose cannon

noun

: a dangerously uncontrollable person or thing

Examples of loose cannon in a Sentence

a politician who is regarded as a loose cannon by her colleagues
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.
Lubesnik’s boss is one of those suits who hates loose cannons and talks about city hall being on his back. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2026 Cam’s a loose cannon, but in the most silly, glorious of ways. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025 On social media, the actress was often painted as a liar and a loose cannon. — Clare Malone, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 Darlene bills herself as a girl who found herself over the course of the show, particularly in the roast, and as a lovely loose cannon. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loose cannon

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loose cannon was in 1973

Rhymes for loose cannon

See All Rhymes for loose cannon

Browse Nearby Words

loose box
loose cannon
loose change
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loose cannon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loose%20cannon. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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