Loop is a word with severalmore than two, but not many relatedconnected or linked in some way meanings. It can describe a curvedbent in a smooth round shape, not straight shape, a repeated computer process, a circular motion, or the act of making something into a loop.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Pronunciation

AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).

Accent: General American English

IPA: /luːp/

Easy pronunciation: LOOP (approximate spelling).

Stress: One syllable; the vowel is stressed.

Verb sense: to move in a curve that comes back around, or to form something into a curved ring.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Loop Meaning

to go around in a circle or to bend something into a loop

Part of speech: verb

Definition: move in a curve that comes back around, or form something into a curved circle or ring

Example: The path looped around the lake.

Synonyms for this meaning:

• coil — Works well when something is wound into a curved shape.
• curl — Can fit the sense of bending into a curved form, though it is less exact than coil.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Other Meanings of Loop

Meaning 2

an electrical circuit that goes around in a circle

Part of speech: noun

Definition: a complete electrical circuit around which current flows or a signal circulates

Example: The signal travels through a closed loop.

Synonyms for this meaning:

• closed circuit — Direct match for the circuit sense.

Meaning 3

an aerobatic move where a plane flies in a vertical circle

Part of speech: noun

Definition: a flight maneuver; aircraft flies a complete circle in the vertical plane

Example: The pilot performed a loop above the runway.

Synonyms for this meaning:

• loop-the-loop — Standard term for this aerial maneuver.

Meaning 4

a metal ring used to reinforce a hole for a cord or line

Part of speech: noun

Definition: fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines

Example: The curtain had a metal loop at the top.

Synonyms for this meaning:

• cringle — A specific nautical or textile term for this kind of reinforced ring.
• eyelet — Works for a reinforced hole or ring, especially in clothing or fabric.
• grommet — Common term for the metal or rubber ring around a hole.
• grummet — A less common variant term for the same kind of fitting.

Meaning 5

one repeat in a computer program

Part of speech: noun

Definition: (computer science) a single execution of a set of instructions that are to be repeated

Example: The program runs through the loop ten times.

Synonyms for this meaning:

• iteration — Standard technical synonym for one repeat in a process.

Meaning 6

to form something into a loop

Part of speech: verb

Definition: make a loop in

Example: Loop the rope around the post.

Synonyms for this meaning:

• intertwine — Can fit when things are twisted or wound together, but it is broader than loop.

Meaning 7

a network arranged in a circle so the end connects back to the beginning

Part of speech: noun

Definition: the topology of a network whose components are serially connected in such a way that the last component is connected to the first component

Example: The office network uses a loop topology.

Synonyms for this meaning:

• loop topology — Exact technical term.

Meaning 8

a small group of people who are closely involved and informed

Part of speech: noun

Definition: an inner circle of advisors (especially under President Reagan)

Example: She was part of the decision-making loop.

Meaning 9

an IUD shaped like a loop

Part of speech: noun

Definition: an intrauterine device in the shape of a loop

Example: The doctor discussed a loop-shaped contraceptive device.

Meaning 10

something shaped like a ring or oval

Part of speech: noun

Definition: anything with a round or oval shape (formed by a curve that is closed and does not intersect itself)

Example: The ribbon formed a neat loop.

Meaning 11

to attach something by passing it through a loop

Part of speech: verb

Definition: fasten or join with a loop

Example: He looped the keys onto his belt.

Meaning 12

to make a plane fly in a loop

Part of speech: verb

Definition: fly loops, perform a loop

Example: The stunt pilot looped his plane.

Meaning 13

to travel in a curving path that keeps bending back

Part of speech: verb

Definition: move in loops

Example: The road looped around the hill.

Meaning 14

a fingerprint pattern that curves back on itself

Part of speech: noun

Definition: the basic pattern of the human fingerprint

Example: A loop is one of the main fingerprint patterns.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Loop Synonyms

Similar Meaning

• coil
• curl

electrical circuit

• closed circuit

aerobatic maneuver

• loop-the-loop

fastener or reinforced hole fitting

• cringle
• eyelet
• grommet
• grummet

one repeat in programming

• iteration

network arrangement

• loop topology

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Common Mistakes

• Do not use loop to mean every kind of circle or ring; some uses are technical, like a circuit, a flight maneuver, or a network layout.
• The verb loop can mean ‘move in a curved path’ or ‘make into a loop,’ but it is not the same as ‘repeat’ in ordinary English, except in computing.
• In the phrase ‘in the loop,’ loop is part of an idiom meaning informed or included, not a physical circle.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common meaning of loop?

The most common everyday meaning is a curved or circular form, or the action of bending or moving in that shape.

What are the best synonyms for loop?

For the main shape-related meaning, the strongest synonyms are coil and curl. Other senses have more specific synonyms, such as iteration for programming and closed circuit for electronics.

Is loop always a noun?

No. Loop can be a noun or a verb. As a verb, it can mean to bend something into a loop, to fasten something through a loop, or to move in a looping path.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.