on the loose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lang bagged his brace shortly afterwards as he pounced on the loose ball after Victor Osimhen robbed English centre-back Lloyd Kelly from Thuram's poor pass inside his own box.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

“They told me a suspect was on the loose and that police were holding a perimeter. I didn’t know he was armed,” Hammitt said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

Meanwhile, seven menacing figures in shaggy bleached-blond wigs are on the loose, looking like the world’s most dangerous bubblegum pop band.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Multiple monkeys are on the loose in St Louis, Missouri, sparking confusion and concern from the city's animal control officials, who said they do not know where the primates came from.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

I play out the plan for the hundredth time and then I hear a creak on the loose floorboard outside my door and my remembered heart flies to my throat.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson