Definition of "loose" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To let loose, to free from restraints.

2. (transitive) To unfasten, to loosen.

3. (transitive) To make less tight, to loosen.

4. (intransitive) Of a grip or hold, to let go.

5. (archery) To shoot (an arrow).

6. (obsolete) To set sail.

7. (obsolete) To solve; to interpret.

adjective

1. Not fixed in place tightly or firmly.

   • This wheelbarrow has a loose wheel.

2. Not held or packaged together.

   • You can buy apples in a pack, but they are cheaper loose.

3. Not under control.

   • The dog is loose again.

4. Not fitting closely.

   • I wear loose clothes when it is hot.

5. Not compact.

   • It is difficult walking on loose gravel.
   • a cloth of loose texture

6. Relaxed.

   • She danced with a loose flowing movement.

7. Not precise or exact; vague; indeterminate.

   • a loose way of reasoning

8. Indiscreet.

   • Loose talk costs lives.

9. (somewhat dated) Free from moral restraint; immoral, unchaste.

10. (not comparable, sports) Not being in the possession of any competing team during a game.

    • He caught an elbow going after a loose ball.
    • The puck was momentarily loose right in front of the net.

11. (dated) Not costive; having lax bowels.

12. (of volumes of materials) Measured loosely stacked or disorganized (such as of firewood).

13. (US, slang, motor racing, of a stock car) Having oversteer.

noun

1. (archery) The release of an arrow.

2. (obsolete) A state of laxity or indulgence; unrestrained freedom, abandonment.

3. (rugby) All play other than set pieces (scrums and line-outs).

4. Freedom from restraint.

5. A letting go; discharge.

interjection

1. (archery) begin shooting; release your arrows

verb

1. Obsolete form of lose.

2. Misspelling of lose.