loon
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Pronunciation [edit]
- Rhymes: -uːn
Etymology 1 [edit]
from Middle English loun
- popular etymology associates it slang-wise with lunatic, see loony.
Noun [edit]
loon (plural loons)
- idler, lout
- (chiefly Scotland, Ulster) boy, lad
- (chiefly Scotland) harlot; mistress
- (chiefly Scotland) simpleton; (also (slang)) crazy or deranged person.
- (Ireland) English Soldier of an expeditionary army in Ireland.
Synonyms [edit]
See also [edit]
Translations [edit]
a crazy person
Etymology 2 [edit]
Of Scandinavian origin, akin to Old Norse lómr (“loon”), compare lament.
Noun [edit]
loon (plural loons)
- Any of various birds, of the order Gaviiformes, of North America and Europe that dive for fish and have a short tail, webbed feet and a yodeling cry.
Synonyms [edit]
- (bird of order Gaviiformes): diver
Derived terms [edit]
- Black-throated Loon, Gavia arctica
- great northern loon, common loon, Gavia immer
- Pacific Loon, Gavia pacifica
- Red-throated Loon, Gavia stellata
- Yellow-billed Loon, Gavia adamsii
Translations [edit]
bird of order Gaviiformes
References [edit]
- Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, Springfield, Massachusetts, G.&C. Merriam Co., 1967
Dutch [edit]
Pronunciation [edit]
Noun [edit]
loon n (plural lonen, diminutive loontje)
Derived terms [edit]
Verb [edit]
loon
Scots [edit]
Noun [edit]
loon (plural loons)
