looper

American  

[loo-per] / ˈlu pər /

noun

1. a person or thing that loops something or forms loops.

   The strands of wire are coiled by an automatic looper.

2. 1. the larva of any geometrid moth, such as the hemlock looper; inchworm.

   2. cabbage looper.

3. a hook-shaped mechanism in a sewing machine that enables stitching by drawing the upper and lower threads together.

4. Baseball. blooper.

   He was robbed of an RBI looper by the speediest shortstop in the league.

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ˈlooper British  

/ ˈluːpə /

noun

1. a person or thing that loops or makes loops

2. another name for a measuring worm

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Etymology

Origin of looper

First recorded in 1725–35; loop ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

In 2019, Corteva reported that genes for proteins found in maidenhair ferns could protect soybeans from soybean looper and velvetbean caterpillars, and since then both groups have sharpened their focus on ferns.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 16, 2023

UW started the second half with a signature flurry — forcing a 3-and-out, before Penix lobbed a looper to Odunze for a 17-yard touchdown that gave the Huskies a 29-18 lead.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 14, 2023

Cleveland had runners at second and third with one out when Josh Naylor hit a looper to center field that Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks appeared to catch with a sliding grab.

From Washington Times • Apr. 12, 2023

It uses the same technology in myriad other invasive pests, including the fall armyworm and the soybean looper, which it hopes to sell in the U.S. and around the world.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2022

Instructions for using and adjusting Singer sewing machine 147-89, one needle and one looper, two thread chain stitch, automatic oiling system.

From U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1974 January - June by Library of Congress. Copyright Office

Related Words

• bloop
• blooper
• pop-up