Loop Definition

lo͝op

looped, looping, loops

noun

loops

The more or less circular figure formed by a line, thread, wire, etc. that curves back to cross itself.

Webster's New World

A noose.

Webster's New World

Something having a shape, order, or path of motion that is circular or curved over on itself.

American Heritage

Anything having or forming this figure.

The loop of a written l.

Webster's New World

A sharp bend, as in a mountain road, which almost comes back upon itself.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
open circuit
line

verb

looped, looping, loops

To form into a loop or loops.

Webster's New World

To progress as a measuring worm does by alternately straightening the body and drawing it up into a loop.

Webster's New World

To wrap around one or more times.

Loop the wire around the post.

Webster's New World

To fasten with a loop or loops.

To loop curtains back.

Webster's New World

To fly (an aircraft) in a loop.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
line

idiom

in the loop

Part of a group that is kept up-to-date with information about something:
knew about the merger because she's in the loop.

American Heritage

knock

To surprise tremendously; astonish.

American Heritage

out of the loop

Not part of a group that is kept up-to-date with information about something.

American Heritage

in (<i>or</i> out of) the loop

within (or not within) a particular exclusive group, often one that has influence, information, etc.; being (or not being) an insider

Webster's New World

knock for a loop

to shock, amaze, confuse, etc.

Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Loop

Noun

Singular:

loop

Plural:

loops

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Loop

Origin of Loop

From Middle English loupe (“noose, loop"), earlier lowp-knot (“loop-knot"), of North Germanic origin, ultimately from Old Norse hlaup (“a run", literally, "a leap"), used in the sense of a "running knot". Compare Swedish löp-knut (“loop-knot"), Danish løb-knude (“a running knot"), Danish løb (“a course"). More at leap.

From Wiktionary
Middle English loupe probably from Middle Irish lúb (perhaps influenced by Middle English lep basket)

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Middle English loupe Middle Dutch lūpen to lie in wait, peer

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition