loon
|loon|
B2
/luːn/
bird or eccentric person
Etymology
Etymology Information
'loon' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'lómr', where 'lómr' referred to the bird known for its distinctive calls.
Historical Evolution
'lómr' changed from Old Norse to the Middle English word 'loun', and eventually became the modern English word 'loon'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a type of bird', but over time it also evolved to mean 'a crazy person' in informal contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a large diving bird found in North America and northern Eurasia, known for its eerie calls.
The loon called out across the lake.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/06/15 14:36