First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1loaf
noun \ˈlōf\
: an amount of bread that has been baked in a long, round, or square shape
: a dish made from foods (such as chopped meat, eggs, and seasoning) that are pressed together, shaped, and usually baked
plural loaves \ˈlōvz\
Full Definition of LOAF
1
: a shaped or molded mass of bread
2
: a shaped or molded often symmetrical mass of food
See loaf defined for English-language learners
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Origin of LOAF
Middle English lof, from Old English hlāf; akin to Old High German hleib loaf
2loaf
verb
: to spend time relaxing instead of working
Full Definition of LOAF
intransitive verb
: to spend time in idleness
See loaf defined for English-language learners
Origin of LOAF
probably back-formation from loafer
First Known Use: 1835
Related to LOAF
- Synonyms
- bum, chill, dally, dawdle, dillydally, drone, footle, goof (off), hack (around), hang (around or out), hang about [British], kick around, kick back, laze, lazy, idle, loll, lounge, veg out
Synonym Discussion of LOAF
idle, loaf, lounge, loll, laze mean to spend time doing nothing. idle may be used in reference to persons that move lazily or without purpose <idled the day away>. loaf suggests either resting or wandering about as though there were nothing to do <she does her work and then loafs the rest of the day>. lounge , though occasionally used as equal to idle or loaf, typically conveys an additional implication of resting or reclining against a support or of physical comfort and ease in relaxation <he lounged against the wall>. loll also carries an implication of a posture similar to that of lounge, but places greater stress upon an indolent or relaxed attitude <lolling on the couch>. laze usually implies the relaxation of a busy person enjoying a vacation or moments of leisure <lazed about between appointments>.
LOAF Defined for Kids
1loaf
noun \ˈlōf\
plural loaves \ˈlōvz\
Definition of LOAF for Kids
1
: a usually oblong mass of bread
2
: a dish (as of meat) baked in an oblong form
2loaf
verb
loafedloaf·ing
Definition of LOAF for Kids
: to spend time idly or lazily <During vacation I will loaf on the beach.>
— loaf·er noun
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