loan

word

/ˈɫoʊn/
lohn
/lˈəʊn/
lohn

Definition

Money that someone borrows from a bank, company, or person and agrees to pay back later, usually with extra money called interest. It can also mean the act of lending something for a period of time.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly, 'loan' is a noun: 'a bank loan', 'student loan', 'car loan'. In everyday English, the verb is more often 'lend' than 'loan' in British English, while American English sometimes uses 'loan' as a verb in formal or business contexts. Common collocations: 'take out a loan', 'pay back a loan', 'loan application', 'interest rate'.

Example Sentences

She got a loan from the bank to buy a car.

basic

I need a small loan to fix my roof.

basic

He is paying back his student loan every month.

basic

We took out a loan to renovate the kitchen, and now we're watching every dollar.

natural

My loan application was approved faster than I expected.

natural

If the interest rate drops, we might refinance the loan.

natural