loose
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1loose
adjective \ˈlüs\loos·erloos·est
Definition of LOOSE
1
a : not rigidly fastened or securely attached b (1) : having worked partly free from attachments <a loose tooth> (2) : having relative freedom of movement c : produced freely and accompanied by raising of mucus <a loose cough> d : not tight-fitting
2
a : free from a state of confinement, restraint, or obligation <a lion loose in the streets> <spend loose funds wisely> b : not brought together in a bundle, container, or binding c archaic : disconnected, detached
3
a : not dense, close, or compact in structure or arrangement b : not solid : watery <loose stools>
4
a : lacking in restraint or power of restraint <a loose tongue> b : lacking moral restraint : unchaste c : overactive; specifically : marked by frequent voiding especially of watery stools <loose bowels>
6
a : lacking in precision, exactness, or care <loose brushwork> <loose usage> b : permitting freedom of interpretation
7
: not in the possession of either of two competing teams <a loose ball> <a loose puck>
— loose·ly adverb
— loose·ness noun
See Examples of LOOSE
- Some of the shingles on the roof were loose.
- The rope was tied in a loose knot.
- The nails had been pried loose.
- Some of the shingles had come loose.
- The boat came loose from its moorings and floated out into the harbor.
- The ball popped loose from the shortstop's glove.
- loose reins on a horse
- She was wearing a loose dress.
- The dog was wandering loose in the streets.
Origin of LOOSE
Middle English lous, from Old Norse lauss; akin to Old High German lōs loose — more at -less
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to LOOSE
2loose
verb \ˈlüs\loosedloos·ing
Definition of LOOSE
transitive verb
2
: to make loose : untie <loose a knot>
5
: to make less rigid, tight, or strict : relax
intransitive verb
: to let fly a missile (as an arrow) : fire
Examples of LOOSE
- The soldiers loosed a volley of rifle fire.
- <the archers loosed a great volley of arrows at the foot soldiers charging towards them>
Origin of LOOSE
(see 1loose)
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to LOOSE
- Synonyms
- blast, discharge, fire, shoot, squeeze off
- Antonyms
- bottle (up), repress, suppress
3loose
adverb \ˈlüs\Definition of LOOSE
Origin of LOOSE
(see 1loose)
First Known Use: 15th century
loose
adjective \ˈlüs\ (Medical Dictionary)loos·erloos·est
Medical Definition of LOOSE
1
a : not rigidly fastened or securely attached b (1) : having worked partly free from attachments <a loose tooth> (2) : having relative freedom of movement c : produced freely and accompanied by raising of mucus <a loose cough>
2
a : not dense, close, or compact in structure or arrangement <loose connective tissue> b : not solid : watery <loose stools>
3
: overactive; specifically : marked by frequent voiding especially of watery stools <loose bowels>
4
: not tightly drawn or stretched <loose skin>
—loose·ly adverb
—loose·ness noun
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