What is a loophole? A loophole is an absence or something vague in a rule or law that allows a person to avoid punishment, as in I was able to keep an alligator in my apartment thanks to a loophole in the …

A loophole is an ambiguity or inadequacy in a system, such as a law or security, which can be used to circumvent or otherwise avoid the purpose, implied or explicitly stated, of the system.

The meaning of LOOPHOLE is a means of escape; especially : an ambiguity or omission in the text through which the intent of a statute, contract, or obligation may be evaded.

LOOPHOLE definition: 1. a small mistake in an agreement or law that gives someone the chance to avoid having to do…. Learn more.

Definition of loophole noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

The term loophole came into use in the seventeenth century figuratively to mean a small opening or an outlet of escape. It soon became applied to legal issues, allowing those practicing the law to find (or …

a means of escape or of avoiding something, esp. a means or opportunity of avoiding following a law, fulfilling a contract, etc.: loopholes in the tax code. loop•hole (lo̅o̅p′ hōl′), n., v., -holed, -hol•ing. n.

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun loophole, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Dec 14, 2025 · loophole (third-person singular simple present loopholes, present participle loopholing, simple past and past participle loopholed) (military, transitive) To prepare a building for defense by …

loophole (ˈluːpˌhəʊl) n 1. an ambiguity, omission, etc, as in a law, by which one can avoid a penalty or responsibility