loan

UK: ləʊn | US: loʊn

Definition

  1. n. a sum of money or property lent, often with interest

  2. vt. to lend something temporarily

  3. n. something borrowed for temporary use (e.g., "a loan of a book")

Structure
loan <to lend, from Old Norse *lán*>
Etymology

The word "loan" originates from Old Norse lán, meaning "to lend" or "something lent." It entered Middle English via Scandinavian influence during the Viking Age, replacing the Old English lǣn. The term has retained its core meaning of temporary lending, reflecting its pragmatic roots in trade and resource-sharing cultures.

Examples

  1. She took out a loan to buy her first car.

  2. The bank agreed to loan him the money for his business.

  3. Can I get a loan of your pen for a moment?

  4. The library offers short-term loans for DVDs.

  5. He repaid the loan with interest after two years.