in loco
Americanadverb
Etymology
Origin of in loco
First recorded in 1700–10
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Coaches often serve in loco parentis, guiding a developing prospect not only through training and tournaments but also the awkward riddles of growing up.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025
He was also asked about his understanding of the term "in loco parentis", namely having responsibilities for children in the absence of their parents or guardians.
From BBC • Jan. 24, 2024
So, parents, too, would be pupils of the state government acting in loco parentis.
From Washington Post • Oct. 21, 2022
IHEs act in loco parentis and thus have a duty to care for the safety and security of students on campus.
From Scientific American • Aug. 5, 2021
It was bad enough having Count Olaf acting in loco parentis and announcing himself as their father, but to consider this man her husband, even for the purposes of a play, was even more dreadful.
From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
