noun
Common
loop
loop
Loop (noun) means a shape made by a line or path that curves back to cross or meet itself. Example: “The cyclist rode a long loop through the hills and back to the village.”
noun
1
A shape made by a line or path that curves back to cross or meet itself.
"The cyclist rode a long loop through the hills and back to the village."
"She tied the ribbon into a neat loop."
"The road forms a loop around the lake."
verb
1
To make something into a loop shape, or move in a repeating circular path.
"She looped the scarf twice around her neck before going out into the cold."
"He looped the rope around the post."
"The plane looped through the sky at the air show."
2
To play or repeat something over and over.
"The shop looped a cheerful tune all day until the staff were tired of it."
"He looped the short video clip so the class could study the movement."
"She looped the same song all afternoon while studying."
How to use loop
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA closed circular shape, or the act of repeating something (music, a path, a process) over and over.
Common mistake
"Keep me in the loop" (informed) is a completely different, figurative use from the physical shape.
Common pairings
in a loop
loop something
keep someone in the loop
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- loops
- Past tense
- looped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cyclist rode a long _____ through the hills and back to the village.
Etymology
From Middle English loupe ("noose, loop"), likely tracing back to an Old Norse word for running or leaping, via the idea of a "running knot."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for loop
See all rhymes for loop →Frequently asked questions
What does “loop” mean?
The word “loop” means a shape made by a line or path that curves back to cross or meet itself. In plain terms, a closed circular shape, or the act of repeating something (music, a path, a process) over and over.
How do you pronounce “loop”?
“Loop” is pronounced loop (/luːp/ in IPA).
How do you use “loop” in a sentence?
Here is “loop” used in a sentence: “She tied the ribbon into a neat loop.”
What part of speech is “loop”?
Depending on how it is used, “loop” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “loop” come from?
The word “loop” comes from Middle English. From Middle English loupe ("noose, loop"), likely tracing back to an Old Norse word for running or leaping, via the idea of a "running knot.".
Is “loop” a common word?
“Loop” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “loop” have?
“Loop” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a shape made by a line or path that curves back to cross or meet itself.
What is the difference between a "loop" and a "circle"?
A circle is a perfectly round closed curve where every point is the same distance from the centre. A loop is any shape made by a line or path that curves back to cross or meet itself, and it does not have to be round or regular. Every circle can act as a loop, but most loops are not circles.
What is the difference between a "loop" and a "coil"?
A loop is a single curve where a line crosses or meets itself. A coil is a series of loops wound around, forming a spiral or helix, such as a coil of rope or wire. A coil is essentially many loops stacked together.
What are common words and phrases built from "loop"?
"Loop" appears in "loophole," "feedback loop," "closed loop," and "loop around." As a verb it means to make something into a loop shape or move in a repeating circular path, as in "loop the string" or "the video loops."
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