noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

loan

lohn

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Loan (noun) means a sum of money lent to someone on the understanding that it will be paid back, often with interest. Example: “They took out a loan to buy their first car.”

noun

A sum of money lent to someone on the understanding that it will be paid back, often with interest.

"They took out a loan to buy their first car."

"The bank approved her loan application within a week."

"He repaid the student loan in small monthly instalments."

verb

To lend something to someone for temporary use.

"The museum loaned the painting to a gallery in Paris."

"Can you loan me your ladder for the weekend?"

"I will loan you my umbrella if it rains."

How to use loan

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMoney or an item given to someone temporarily, usually with the expectation it will be given back.

Common mistake

In careful writing, "lend" is the verb and "loan" is the noun (I lent him money / I gave him a loan), though using "loan" as a verb is now widely accepted, especially in American English.

UK vs US

British English traditionally favours "lend" as the verb; American English uses "loan" as a verb freely.

Easily confused with

lend → mortgage →

Common pairings

take out a loan loan repayment student loan loan someone money

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: loans
Third person singular: loans
Past tense: loaned

Test yourself on “loan” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They took out a _____ to buy their first car.

Etymology

From Old Norse lán, related to the verb "to leave (over)" — the same root family as "lend".

Origin: Old Norse

Synonyms

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advance credit financing lending mortgage borrowing lend loanword

Related words

go back come early further pass approach credit

Rhymes for loan

Joan moan Roan groan Sloan Samoan Croatoan

See all rhymes for loan →

Frequently asked questions

What does “loan” mean?

The word “loan” means a sum of money lent to someone on the understanding that it will be paid back, often with interest. In plain terms, money or an item given to someone temporarily, usually with the expectation it will be given back.

How do you pronounce “loan”?

“Loan” is pronounced lohn (/loʊn/ in IPA).

How do you use “loan” in a sentence?

Here is “loan” used in a sentence: “They took out a loan to buy their first car.”

What part of speech is “loan”?

Depending on how it is used, “loan” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “loan” come from?

The word “loan” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse lán, related to the verb "to leave (over)" — the same root family as "lend".

Is “loan” a common word?

“Loan” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “loan” have?

“Loan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sum of money lent to someone on the understanding that it will be paid back, often with interest.

What is the difference between a loan and a gift?

A loan is money given with the expectation that it will be paid back, usually with interest and on agreed terms. A gift is given freely, with no obligation to return it. The defining difference is repayment: a loan creates a debt, while a gift transfers money or property outright.

What are the main types of loans?

Common loans include personal loans for general use, mortgages to buy property, auto loans for vehicles, and student loans for education. Loans can be secured, backed by an asset like a house or car, or unsecured, based on the borrower's creditworthiness alone. Terms, interest rates, and repayment periods vary by type.

What is the difference between a loan and interest?

A loan is the sum of money borrowed and expected to be repaid. Interest is the extra charge a lender adds for the service of lending, usually a percentage of the loan. The loan is the principal you receive; the interest is what you pay on top for the privilege of borrowing it.

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