loon

¹

[loon]

noun

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

loon

²

[loon]

noun

1. a crazy or simple-minded person.

loon

¹

/ 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 )

loon

²

/ luːn /

noun

1. the US and Canadian name for diver

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of loon¹

C15: origin obscure

Origin of loon²

C17: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse lōmr

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.

Read more on 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.

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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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Seattle Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times