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Definition of loaf

loaf

/loʊf/
loaf

Plural:loaves
•
Past Simple:loafed
•
Past Participle:loafed
•
Present Participle:loafing
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loaf Lexical Profile

loaf Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A quantity of bread that is shaped and baked in one piece and usually sliced before being eaten.

Example

"She bought a freshly baked loaf of sourdough bread from the local bakery."


2

An item of food, such as meat or cake, shaped like a rectangular block or loaf of bread.

Example

"He prepared a savory meat loaf seasoned with herbs for dinner."

• verb

1

To spend one's time in an aimless, idle way.

Example

"Instead of doing his chores, he decided to loaf around the house all weekend."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for loaf
Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Note the spelling distinction between the noun's irregular plural ('loaves') and the verb's regular third-person singular present form ('loafs').

• Rhymes for loaf

Word Origin & Etymology

The noun originates from Old English 'hlāf' (bread, loaf), of Germanic origin. The verb emerged in the mid-19th century, likely as a back-formation from the noun 'loafer', which may derive from the German 'Landläufer' meaning a tramp or vagabond.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Loaf. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/loaf
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