: 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
Synonyms
Examples of loom in a Sentence
Verb
Storm clouds loomed on the horizon.
The mountains loom above the valley.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
The next four weeks loom as one difficult test after another after another after another.
—Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 10 Nov. 2024
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 20 Nov. 2024
Doom and gloom First released in North America on Nov. 21, 2004, the Nintendo DS arrived at a time when the air around the company was thick with the looming threat of defeat.
—Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for loom 
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Noun
The Sekai Taikai really starts to take shape in this second episode of the batch, and though the finals aren’t yet here, the possibility of elimination looms at all times.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
The next four weeks loom as one difficult test after another after another after another.
—Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
Putin is unlikely to view his slow success on the frontline — and the looming change in the White House — as marking a moment where the tide is turning against him.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 20 Nov. 2024
Doom and gloom First released in North America on Nov. 21, 2004, the Nintendo DS arrived at a time when the air around the company was thick with the looming threat of defeat.
—Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for loom
Dictionary Entries Near loom
Cite this Entry
“Loom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loom. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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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