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loof: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Rare/archaic
UK/luːf/US/luːf/

Archaic, technical (nautical), dialectal (Scottish)

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Quick answer

What does “loof” mean?

The palm of the hand or the inner surface of the hand.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The palm of the hand or the inner surface of the hand.

Also refers to the part of an oar or paddle between the blade and handle, or, in Scottish English, the palm used as a measure of length.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The word is more likely to appear in historical or dialectal British contexts; American usage is virtually non-existent.

Connotations

British/Scottish: historical, rural, or nautical. American: unknown to most speakers.

Frequency

Extremely rare in both varieties, marginally more attested in UK historical/dialect sources.

Grammar

How to Use “loof” in a Sentence

N/A for noun

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
the loof of his handan oar's loof
medium
measured by the loofbroad loof
weak
clean loofopen loof

Examples

Examples of “loof” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

adverb

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

adjective

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Only in historical linguistics or textual analysis of older English/Scots.

Everyday

Not used.

Technical

Possible in historical nautical descriptions of oar/paddle parts.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “loof”

Neutral

palm

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “loof”

back of the handdorsum

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “loof”

  • Misspelling as 'loaf' or 'looph'.
  • Assuming it is a modern, common word.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is an archaic or dialectal word rarely used in modern English.

No, in standard historical usage, it functions solely as a noun.

No, 'aloof' (meaning distant) comes from a different nautical term 'luff' and is unrelated etymologically.

Only for specific interests in historical English, Scots dialect, or nautical terminology. It is not necessary for general communication.

The palm of the hand or the inner surface of the hand.

Loof is usually archaic, technical (nautical), dialectal (scottish) in register.

Loof: in British English it is pronounced /luːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /luːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “N/A”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'loof' rhyming with 'hoof' – a horse's hoof touches the ground, your 'loof' (palm) touches objects.

Conceptual Metaphor

THE HAND IS A TOOL FOR MEASUREMENT (Scottish usage).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The sailor's grip was strongest at the of the paddle.
Multiple Choice

In which context might you historically encounter the word 'loof'?