looming

American  

[loo-ming] / ˈlu mɪŋ /

noun

1. a mirage in which objects below the horizon seem to be raised above their true positions.

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Etymology

Origin of looming

First recorded in 1620–30; loom ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

What they didn’t know was that Sora had quietly turned into a liability for OpenAI in the months after its release, particularly as the startup tightened its focus ahead of a looming IPO.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

In the village of Pusztavacs in central Hungary, election posters on electricity poles remind voters of a looming poll, where nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban's future is on the line.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

It also means you can do them over more than one day or even a week without feeling that a deadline is looming.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

With potential armageddon looming in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, who knows when the next season might actually open?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Stuart strained his eyes, and suddenly, dead ahead, right in the path of the Wasp, he saw an enormous paper bag looming up on the surface of the pond.

From "Stuart Little" by E.B. White

Related Words

• approaching
• imminent
• impending