loom /luːm/noun 5verb 3forms 3phrases 2 noun5 •A frame or machine of wood or other material, in which a weaver forms cloth out of thread; a machine for interweaving yarn or threads into a fabric, as in knitting or lace making.January 8, 1751, Samuel Johnson, "The Mischiefs of Total Idleness" in The Rambler Hector, when he sees Andromache overwhelmed with terror, sends her for consolation to the loom and the distaff. •A distorted appearance of something as seen indistinctly or from afar. •The part of an oar which is between the grip or handle and the blade; the shaft. •A utensil; tool; a weapon; (usually in compound) an article in general. •(old-fashioned) loon (bird of order Gaviiformes) verb3 •To appear indistinctly, e.g. when seen on the horizon or through the murk.The clouds loomed over the mountains. •(figurative) To appear in an exaggerated or threatening form; (of a person or thing) to tower; (of an idea) to impressively or intimidatingly occupy the mind; (of an event) to be imminent.With no extra-time to be played and penalties looming, the Portuguese winger pounced on some hesitant City defending to run on to a Wayne Rooney clearance, round Joe Hart and slot home. — 2011 •(figurative) To rise and to be eminent; to be elevated or ennobled, in a moral sense.On no occasion does he [Paul] loom so high, and shine so gloriously, as in the context. — 1822 formsloomed · looming · looms Phrases with loom loom aheadTo be likely to occur and to be disastrous; to be foreboding. loom largeTo have a great deal of importance, presence, power, or sway; to be of great significance or concern, especially when posing a likely threat or danger.
