# loam

/ˈɫoʊm/ (US) · /lˈəʊm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/loam
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

rich, soft soil made of sand, silt, and clay mixed together. Plants grow very well in it because it holds water but still lets air through.

For teachers: a fertile soil with balanced proportions of sand, silt, and clay, valued for retaining moisture while draining freely.

## Examples

- Tomatoes grow well in rich loam.
- The gardener mixes compost into the loam to improve drainage before planting vegetables.
- Centuries of flood deposits left a deep loam that holds water without becoming soggy, allowing the valley farms to thrive even in dry summers.

## Synonyms

soil

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.