Meaning & Definition of word "Loon"
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Loon
/luːn/
noun:
- 1. A large diving bird of the family Gaviidae, known for its distinctive calls and excellent swimming ability.
- Example: We spotted a loon gliding across the calm lake at dawn.
- 2. A foolish or crazy person.
- Example: Don't listen to him; he's just a loon with wild ideas.
- 3. A Canadian dollar or a colloquial term referring to the currency due to the image of a common loon on the one-dollar coin.
- Example: The price of gas has gone up to $1.50 per loon.
Etymology
From Middle English 'lone' or 'loun', from the Scottish variant of 'louna', which means 'a madman or simpleton'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
loon in the moon:
A term referring to a peculiar or whimsical person.
as mad as a loon:
Extremely crazy or eccentric.
Related Words
gull:
A seabird of the family Laridae, often found near coastal areas.
merganser:
A type of fish-eating duck from the genus Mergus.
Slang Meanings of loon
Meaning: A person who is considered to be eccentric or mentally unstable.
Example Sentence: Ever since he started collecting those odd statues, they call him a loon.
Meaning: Someone who acts in a foolish or wacky manner.
Example Sentence: She's such a loon for trying to juggle while riding a unicycle.