# loaning

/ˈɫoʊnɪŋ/ (US) · /lˈəʊnɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/loaning
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

to lend something to someone for a time and expect it back. You use it when you let someone use your things for a while.

For teachers: to lend money or an object temporarily, with the expectation that it will be returned. Often used interchangeably with 'lend', especially in American English.

## Examples

- She is loaning her bike to her brother today.
- The library is loaning out laptops to students who need them for exams this week.
- Despite tight budgets, the museum is loaning rare paintings to smaller galleries to widen public access to its collection.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Can I loan your pen for a minute?" but "Can I borrow your pen for a minute?" — Learners confuse 'loan' (to give) with 'borrow' (to take); use 'borrow' when you are receiving.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, often with 'to' for the recipient.

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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.