loon

¹ American  

[loon] / lun /

noun

1. any of several large, short-tailed, web-footed, fish-eating diving birds of the genus Gavia, of the Northern Hemisphere.

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loon ² American  

[loon] / lun /

noun

1. a crazy or simple-minded person.

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loon ¹ British  

/ luːn /

noun

1. informal  a simple-minded or stupid person

2. dialect  a lad

3. archaic  a person of low rank or occupation (esp in the phrase lord and loon )

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loon ² British  

/ luːn /

noun

1. the US and Canadian name for diver

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Etymology

Origin of loon¹

First recorded in 1625–35; perhaps alteration of loom ³

Origin of loon²

1400–50; late Middle English lowen, perhaps < Old Norse lūinn worn, tired; later influenced by loon ¹ and loony ¹

Example Sentences

As for Foster, who first snagged my attention as the pathetic loon in “Alpha Dog,” he knows how to play a hiss-worthy heel.

From Los Angeles Times

Both rescue centers are also treating other seabirds ill from domoic acid, including the western grebes, brandt’s cormorants and red-throated loons, but brown pelicans have most frequently been sick.

From Los Angeles Times

Without clarifying just what polls he’s referring to, Kennedy claimed that polls show that Americans believe that Harris is “not a serious person,” and is a member of the “loon wing” of the Democratic Party.

From Salon

Officials didn’t pick any of the most popular designs submitted online that included options like a loon — the state bird — with lasers for eyes.

From Seattle Times

“Now he’s a loony anti-vaxxer conspiracy theorist and running a campaign like a loon. It’s so embarrassing.”

From Los Angeles Times