free or released from fastening or attachment

a loose end.

free from anything that binds or restrains; unfettered

loose cats prowling around in alleyways at night.

uncombined, as a chemical element.

not bound together

to wear one's hair loose.

not put up in a package or other container

loose mushrooms.

available for disposal; unused; unappropriated

loose funds.

lacking in reticence or power of restraint

a loose tongue.

lax, as the bowels.

lacking moral restraint or integrity; notorious for his loose character.

sexually promiscuous or immoral; unchaste.

not firm, taut, or rigid

a loose tooth; a loose rein.

relaxed or limber in nature

He runs with a loose, open stride.

not fitting closely or tightly

a loose sweater.

not close or compact in structure or arrangement; having spaces between the parts; open

a loose weave.

having few restraining factors between associated constituents and allowing ample freedom for independent action

a loose federation of city-states.

not cohering

loose sand.

not strict, exact, or precise

a loose interpretation of the law.

Sports .

having the players on a team positioned at fairly wide intervals, as in a football formation.

(of a ball, hockey puck, etc.) not in the possession of either team; out of player control.

in a loose manner; loosely (usually used in combination)

loose-flowing.

to let loose; free from bonds or restraint.

to release, as from constraint, obligation, or penalty.

Chiefly Nautical . to set free from fastening or attachment

to loose a boat from its moorings.

to unfasten, undo, or untie, as a bond, fetter, or knot.

to shoot; discharge; let fly

to loose missiles at the invaders.

to make less tight; slacken or relax.

to render less firmly fixed; lessen an attachment; loosen.

to let go a hold.

to hoist anchor; get under way.

to shoot or let fly an arrow, bullet, etc. (often fol. by off )

to loose off at a flock of ducks.

Obsolete . to become loose; loosen. ?

break loose

to free oneself; escape

The convicts broke loose.

cast loose

to loosen or unfasten, as a ship from a mooring.

to send forth; set adrift or free

He was cast loose at an early age to make his own way in the world.

cut loose

to release from domination or control.

to become free, independent, etc.

to revel without restraint

After the rodeo they headed into town to cut loose.

hang or stay loose

Slang . to remain relaxed and unperturbed.

let loose

to free or become free.

to yield; give way

The guardrail let loose and we very nearly plunged over the edge.

on the loose

free; unconfined, as, esp., an escaped convict or circus animal.

behaving in an unrestrained or dissolute way

a bachelor on the loose.

turn loose, to release or free

as from confinement

The teacher turned the children loose after the class.