loop

A curved part of rope or thread that bends back on itself to make an opening.

• Make a loop in the rope.
• Pull the thread through the loop.
• The loops were too small for the hooks.

How to use it: loop of something (Make a loop of string and tie the ends together.)

Common phrases: loop of rope, make a loop, belt loop

A process that returns to its start and repeats the same steps.

• The video plays on a loop.
• We are stuck in a loop of delays and complaints.
• A feedback loop keeps the temperature steady.

Similar words: cycle

Common phrases: feedback loop, continuous loop, on a loop

A set of computer instructions that repeats until a particular point is reached.

• The loop runs ten times.
• An error trapped the program in an infinite loop.
• Use two loops to check all the values.

Common phrases: infinite loop, for loop, while loop

A curved line that bends around and crosses itself, making a rounded shape.

• Draw a loop on the paper.
• Her handwriting has large loops.
• The curved line crosses itself to form a loop.

Common phrases: draw a loop, loop shape, fingerprint loop

To bend rope or another long thing back on itself, making a rounded opening.

• Loop the rope around the post.
• She looped the ribbon through the handle.
• He looped the cable neatly before putting it away.

How to use it: loop something around something (Loop the cord around the handle.); loop something over something (She looped the strap over her shoulder.)

Common phrases: loop a rope, loop around something, loop over something

To move, or make something move, along a path that curves around and returns.

• The plane looped above the field.
• The road loops back toward the village.
• She looped the model plane high above the trees.

How to use it: loop around something (The path loops around the lake.)

Similar words: circle

Common phrases: loop around something, loop above something, loop the plane