loosely
Americanadverb
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in a way that is not secure, tight, or restrained.
Cover the chicken loosely with foil so the spices don't burn.
After filling up, the driver loosely closed the gas cap, which subsequently fell off as they headed down the highway.
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in a way that is not firm, rigid, or taut.
Roll the cut strip of fabric loosely, with the pattern side in.
A chain, secured at the top and bottom but hanging loosely against the rock, assists with the final steep ascent.
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in a way that is relaxed or limber.
Bend forward with your head and arms hanging down loosely.
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(of a structure or arrangement) in a way that is not compact and allows space between parts or components.
The flour should be loosely packed and fluffy, rather than tamped into a solid block.
The superficial fat layer is made up of tightly packed fat cells, whereas in the deeper layers the cells are more loosely arranged.
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in a way that is not strict or precise.
Romania was made famous in the West by the legend of Dracula, based loosely on Vlad the Impaler.
The term is often used rather loosely to refer to any group with identifiable shared characteristics.
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in a way that has few restraints and allows for freedom of independent action.
The cooperative buys organic soybeans from a loosely organized group of independent Michigan growers, and resells the beans to customers in Japan and elsewhere.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of loosely
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.
A net kick of about 1 kilometer per second could disrupt the orbit of a loosely bound stellar pair, causing the two stars to separate.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 21, 2026
Even if the president is only loosely familiar with Hildebrand, the oil tycoon is someone you should know about.
From Salon ● Jun. 24, 2026
The two protagonists, Jason and Lucia, appear at least loosely inspired by the real-life American outlaw couple Bonnie and Clyde, who have already been the stuff of movies and TV series.
From Barron's ● Jun. 24, 2026
His first novel in 28 years, “The Last Human Bear,” is loosely based on the spiritual leader McKay, whose wisdom and companionship served as a refuge to Sarris during a tumultuous childhood in Sonoma County.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2026
She held her long rifle loosely under one arm, and growled her Ahneen at Omakayas as she tramped into the brush.
From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich
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.
