# loop

/ˈɫup/ (US) · /lˈuːp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/loop
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. a curved shape

noun · CEFR B1

a shape made by a curve that crosses itself, leaving an opening in the middle.

For teachers: a shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself, creating an enclosed or semi-enclosed opening.

- He tied the rope into a small loop to hang the swing from the tree.
- The designer used a series of decorative loops in the ironwork to give the gate a more elegant appearance.

### 2. computing/programming

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a set of instructions that a computer repeats many times.

For teachers: a programmed sequence of instructions that is executed repeatedly until a specific condition is met.

- The program got stuck in an infinite loop and I had to restart my computer.
- The developer optimized the inner loop of the algorithm to reduce the processing time required for large datasets.

### 3. repeating music or video

noun · CEFR B1

a piece of music or video that plays over and over again.

For teachers: a segment of audio or video media designed to be played continuously in a seamless repetition.

- The drum beat played on a loop throughout the entire song.
- The artist created a haunting atmosphere by layering several vocal loops of varying lengths over a steady bassline.

### 4. a circular route

noun · CEFR B2

a road or path that goes in a circle and ends where it started.

For teachers: a transport route, such as a road or railway, that returns to its starting point without requiring a reversal.

- We took the hiking loop that goes around the lake and back to the car park.
- The city's new light rail system includes a downtown loop to facilitate easier transfers between the major commuter lines.

### 5. informed/involved

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

to be part of a group that shares information.

For teachers: the state of being informed about or involved in a particular process or decision-making circle.

- Please keep me in the loop regarding any changes to the project schedule.
- The junior analysts felt they were being kept out of the loop during the final stages of the merger negotiations.

Usage: Almost always used in the phrases 'in the loop' or 'out of the loop'.

### 6. to form a circle

verb · CEFR B2

to make something into a loop shape or to move in a circle.

For teachers: to form into a loop or to move in a path that follows a loop.

- She looped the scarf twice around her neck to stay warm.
- The pilot looped the aircraft during the airshow, drawing a perfect vertical circle against the clear blue sky.

### 7. to repeat media

verb · CEFR B2

to make a video or song play again and again.

For teachers: to play a digital file or tape segment in a continuous, repeating cycle.

- I looped my favorite part of the video so I could study the dance moves.
- The gallery installation looped a three-minute film of the ocean, creating a meditative environment for the viewers.

## Examples

- The computer program runs in a loop until you press stop.
- The pilot performed a perfect loop during the air show, drawing a circle in the sky.
- The track features a hypnotic drum loop that repeats throughout the entire composition, creating a sense of rhythmic stability against the shifting melodies.

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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.