loom
loom
/luːm/
A hand-operated or power-driven apparatus for weaving yarn or thread into fabric; (verb) to appear as a shadowy form, especially one that is large or threatening.
In a craft context, loom is strictly the machine used for weaving. In literary contexts, the verb 'loom' describes something large and ominous appearing in the distance.
The story behind the word. In Old English, 'loom' simply meant any tool or household utensil. Over time, because the weaving machine was the most complex and important tool in the pre-industrial home, the word became specialized to refer only to this specific device.
Word relationships
- weaving machine: Weaving machine is a modern, industrial term, while loom can refer to both ancient hand-operated frames and modern industrial equipment.
Commonly confused with
- spindle: A spindle is a pin used for spinning raw fibers into thread, while a loom is the machine used to weave those finished threads into fabric.
Word family
- looms (noun/verb): Plural of loom; third-person singular of the verb.
Collocations
- hand loom
- power loom
- weaving loom
- loom large
Idioms & expressions
- loom large (to seem important, worrying, or threatening)
Example sentences
- "The weaver sat at the wooden loom, rhythmically throwing the shuttle back and forth to interlace the threads." Describing a traditional weaver at work.
- "A dark storm cloud began to loom over the mountain valley, threatening to ruin the outdoor market." A literary use of the verb form.
Memory hook
Imagine a giant 'loom' weaving a massive 'gloom' blanket over the sky. Loom weaves the room's rugs.
When not to use
Do not confuse the noun (the weaving machine) with the unrelated verb meaning (to appear threateningly) when discussing crafts.
Fun facts
- The Jacquard loom, invented in 1804, used punched cards to control the weaving pattern. This system of punched cards directly inspired early computer programming and IBM's early data storage.
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