- 1not firmly fixed where it should be; able to become separated from something a loose button/tooth Check that the plug has not come loose.
- 2not tied together; not held in position by anything or contained in anything She usually wears her hair loose. The potatoes were sold loose, not in bags.
- 3[not usually before noun] free to move around without control; not tied up or shut in somewhere The sheep had got out and were loose on the road. The horse had broken loose (= escaped) from its tether. During the night, someone had cut the boat loose from its moorings. clothes
- 4not fitting closely a loose shirt opposite tight not solid/hard
- 5not tightly packed together; not solid or hard loose soil a fabric with a loose weave not strict/exact
- 6not strictly organized or controlled a loose alliance/coalition/federation a loose association of artists, writers and composers
- 7not exact; not very careful a loose translation loose thinking
- 8[usually before noun] (old-fashioned) having or involving an attitude to sexual relationships that people consider to be immoral a young man of loose morals ball
- 9(sport) not in any player's control He pounced on a loose ball. body waste
- 10having too much liquid in it a baby with loose bowel movements
not fixed/tied
noun [uncountable]Idioms
suddenly there was a lot of noise, arguing, fighting, or confusion There was a loud bang and then all hell broke loose.
to separate yourself or someone or something from a group of people or their influence, etc. The organization broke loose from its sponsors. He cut himself loose from his family.
to do something or to happen in a way that is not controlled Teenagers need a place to cut loose.
to remain calm; to not worry It's OK—hang loose and stay cool.
to talk too much, especially about things that are private
to be slightly strange in your behavior
to make a noise or remark, especially in a loud or sudden way She let loose a stream of abuse.
- 1to free someone or something from whatever holds them/it in place She let her hair loose and it fell around her shoulders. Who's let the dog loose?
- 2to give someone complete freedom to do what they want in a place or situation He was at last let loose in the kitchen. A team of professionals were let loose on the project.
to treat someone or something in a way that shows that you feel no responsibility or respect for themSee loose in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Check pronunciation: loose