noun Uncommon

loophole

LOOP-hohl

Loophole (noun) means a gap, ambiguity, or technicality in a law or rule that lets someone avoid its intended effect. Example: “The company found a loophole to avoid paying the extra tax.”

noun

A gap, ambiguity, or technicality in a law or rule that lets someone avoid its intended effect.

"The company found a loophole to avoid paying the extra tax."

"Lawmakers closed the loophole after it was widely exploited."

A narrow slit in a wall, originally used for shooting through or letting in light.

"Arrows were once fired through loopholes in the castle walls."

How to use loophole

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA gap in a rule that lets someone technically follow the letter of the law while dodging its purpose.

Common pairings

find a loophole close a loophole exploit a loophole tax loophole

Word forms

loopholed past tense, loopholes plural, loopholes singular

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The company found a _____ to avoid paying the extra tax.

Etymology

From Middle English loupe ("opening in a wall") combined with hole; the legal/technical sense grew out of the idea of a narrow gap someone could slip through.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for loophole

ole hole vole mole sole pole cole dole role stole whole Poole

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Frequently asked questions

What does “loophole” mean?

The word “loophole” means a gap, ambiguity, or technicality in a law or rule that lets someone avoid its intended effect. In plain terms, a gap in a rule that lets someone technically follow the letter of the law while dodging its purpose.

How do you pronounce “loophole”?

“Loophole” is pronounced LOOP-hohl (/ˈluphoʊl/ in IPA).

How do you use “loophole” in a sentence?

Here is “loophole” used in a sentence: “The company found a loophole to avoid paying the extra tax.”

What part of speech is “loophole”?

“Loophole” is a noun.

Where does the word “loophole” come from?

The word “loophole” comes from Middle English. From Middle English loupe ("opening in a wall") combined with hole; the legal/technical sense grew out of the idea of a narrow gap someone could slip through.

Is “loophole” a common word?

“Loophole” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “loophole” have?

“Loophole” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a gap, ambiguity, or technicality in a law or rule that lets someone avoid its intended effect.