loom

Everyday

1. (noun) A machine or frame for weaving thread into cloth. tree →
2. (verb) To appear as a large, dark, unclear shape, often in a frightening way. tree →
3. (verb) To seem about to happen, especially something worrying or important, like tests or a storm. tree →
4. (loom large) To seem very important or worrying. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons about the Industrial Revolution, power looms in mills changed how cloth was made; in crafts, children weave on small looms. In stories, castles and mountains loom out of the fog; in everyday life, exams loom. Phrases: loom large, loom over, looming deadline, weaving loom.

Examples

• Grandma weaves rugs on a wooden loom. tree →
• A dark castle loomed out of the mist. tree →
• The SATs are looming, so we are revising. tree →
• Huge power looms filled the cotton mill. tree →
• A big storm loomed on the horizon. tree →
• The giant loomed over the tiny village. tree →
• The problem of money loomed large for the family. tree →
• She pointed to the web of beautifully-woven cloth in the loom. tree →

Note

Regular verb: loomed, looming. As a verb it usually describes something big, unclear or threatening. Noun and verb are the same spelling but different meanings. Rhymes with «room».