Loop
/luːp/
Definitions
4 meaningsA shape formed by a curve that crosses itself, or a full 360 degree turn.
/luːp/
A shape like a curve that crosses itself
He made a loop in the wire to hang the picture.
💡 Simply: Imagine a string that's tied in a circle, and then the string is pulled through the circle, creating a knot. That's a loop! You see loops on shoelaces or on a rollercoaster.
👶 For kids: A loop is like a circle with a little bit sticking out, like a slide on a playground!
More Examples
The rollercoaster went through a loop.
The child used a loop of string to make a cat's cradle.
How It's Used
"She tied a loop in the rope to secure it."
"The program used a loop to repeat a set of instructions."
"The belt went through the loop on the trousers."
A repeating section of a program or musical composition.
/luːp/
A repeated series of events
The video game is stuck in a loop.
💡 Simply: Think about when a song repeats the same part over and over again, like a chorus. That's a loop in music! Or imagine a computer instruction that keeps going back to do the same thing - that’s also a loop.
👶 For kids: It's like a song that keeps playing the same part over and over, or a toy that does the same thing again and again.
More Examples
The composer added a drum loop to the track.
The algorithm runs in a loop until a condition is met.
How It's Used
"The program has a loop that continues until the user quits."
"The musician created a loop of the drum beat."
"They used a loop of film to show the same scene repeatedly."
To form or arrange something into a loop or to perform a loop maneuver.
/luːp/
To form something into a loop
He looped the rope around the post.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're twisting a ribbon and making a circle, and then bringing the ribbon through the circle, to make a fancy bow, this is looping! Like making a loop in a thread to sew something.
👶 For kids: Making a shape like a circle, like when you tie your shoelaces!
More Examples
The pilot expertly looped the plane.
The artisan looped the wire to create a decorative element.
How It's Used
"She looped the yarn around the hook."
"Loop the thread through the needle."
"The pilot looped the airplane."
To move in a circular or looping motion, especially in the air.
/luːp/
To move in a loop (especially an aircraft)
The stunt pilot looped the plane.
💡 Simply: Like an airplane turning upside down and making a circle in the sky, that's looping! Or a gymnast doing a flip over a bar is also looping.
👶 For kids: To go around and around in a circle like a rollercoaster!
More Examples
The gymnast looped during her routine.
The fighter plane looped gracefully, performing a complex maneuver.
How It's Used
"The fighter jet looped through the air."
"The gymnast looped over the bar."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
loop someone in
To include someone in a conversation or activity.
"Make sure to loop me in on the project updates."
the loop
A continuous cycle; a situation that constantly repeats itself.
"He was stuck in the loop of debt."
From Middle English loupe, from Old English *hlūpa, from Proto-Germanic *hlūpōną ('loop, coil'). Related to Old Norse hlaupa ('to leap') and German laufen ('to run').
The term 'loop' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to a bend or curve, particularly in rope.
Memory tip
Think of a coiled snake. It's a loop!