# loft

/ˈɫɔft/ (US) · /lˈɒft/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/loft
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. attic space

noun · CEFR B1

the space or room just under the roof of a house, often used for storing things.

For teachers: an attic or similar space directly beneath the roof of a building, typically used for storage or as a small workspace.

- We keep all our old suitcases and Christmas decorations up in the loft.
- The surveyor climbed into the loft to inspect the timber beams for signs of damp or structural decay.

### 2. open apartment

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a large, open apartment on the upper floor of a building, often converted from a factory.

For teachers: a large, open-plan residential space on an upper floor, frequently converted from industrial or commercial premises.

- She lives in a beautiful loft in the city with high ceilings and big windows.
- The developer converted the Victorian warehouse into luxury lofts, retaining the original brickwork and exposed steel girders.

### 3. raised gallery

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a raised platform or balcony in a church or hall.

For teachers: a gallery or raised area in a large building, such as a church or concert hall, often housing an organ or choir.

- The choir stood in the organ loft and sang during the wedding ceremony.
- From the organ loft, the musician had a clear view of the entire nave while remaining hidden from the congregation.

### 4. golf club angle

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the angle of a golf club's face that helps hit the ball high.

For teachers: the angle of the face of a golf club relative to the shaft, which determines the height and distance of a shot.

- He chose a club with more loft to get the ball over the tall trees.
- The professional golfer adjusted his stance to compensate for the club's high loft, ensuring the ball would clear the sand trap.

### 5. to hit high

verb · CEFR B2

to hit, kick, or throw a ball high into the air.

For teachers: to propel a projectile, especially a ball, in a high arc through the air.

- The player lofted the ball over the goalkeeper's head to score a goal.
- The midfielder lofted a precise pass toward the striker, bypassing the entire defensive line with a single high-arcing kick.

## Examples

- We keep all our old suitcases in the loft.
- The architect suggested converting the dusty loft into a bright home office to increase the property value.
- While traditional lofts served primarily as hay storage or attic space, the late twentieth century saw a surge in industrial lofts being repurposed as high-end residential studios.

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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.