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. the US and Canadian name for diver

loon

²

/ 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 )

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

C17: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse lōmr

Origin of loon²

C15: origin obscure

Example Sentences

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.

From 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.

From Seattle Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Specifically, the paper shows that July rainfall results in reduced July water clarity in loon territories.

From Science Daily

The Coast Guard said three live birds — a cormorant, a loon and a grebe — were found sullied with oil and were being treated.

From Seattle Times