Loon

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -uːn

From Middle English loun. Folk etymology associates it slang-wise with lunatic; see loony.

Full definition of loon

Noun

1. idler, lout
2. (chiefly Scotland, Ulster) boy, lad
3. (chiefly Scotland) harlot; mistress
4. (chiefly Scotland) simpleton
5. (slang) crazy or deranged person
6. (Ireland) English Soldier of an expeditionary army in Ireland.

Synonyms

• (crazy person): lunatic, psycho, wacko

Of Scandinavian origin, akin to Old Norse lómr ("loon"), compare lament.

Noun

1. (US, Canada) 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

• (bird of order Gaviiformes) diver

Derived terms

• 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)
• loonie