loop
loop Lexical Profile
loop Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself, or a closed circular or oval curve.
"She tied the ribbon into a neat loop at the top of the gift box."
A curved or circular strip of thread, metal, cord, or other material fastened at the ends, used as a fastener, handle, or guide through which something else is passed.
"He threaded his leather belt through every loop on his trousers."
A sequence of computer instructions or a segment of audio or film that repeats continually until a specific condition is met or it is manually stopped.
"The programmer accidentally wrote an infinite loop that caused the application to freeze."
A complete vertical circle executed by an aircraft or roller coaster, in which the vehicle is inverted at the top of the curve.
"The stunt pilot performed a daring loop high above the airfield."
• verb
To form something into a closed curve or coil, or to fasten or encircle an object with a cord, rope, or band.
"The sailor looped the heavy rope around the wooden post on the dock."
To move in a circular, curving, or circuitous course.
"The scenic hiking trail loops around the base of the mountain before returning to the visitor center."
To cause an audio recording, video clip, or computer process to repeat continuously from end to beginning.
"The musician looped the acoustic guitar riff to build a layered accompaniment on stage."
• Rhymes for loop
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in Middle English around the late 14th century, the word is of uncertain origin, possibly borrowed from Scots or Gaelic 'lùb' meaning 'bend' or 'curve', or related to Middle Dutch 'lupen'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.