Noose
/nuːs/
nounB2
Definition
A noose is a special kind of loop made with a rope. When you pull the rope, the loop becomes smaller and tighter. People use nooses for catching animals or for tying things firmly.
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See It in Action
A loop in a rope that tightens when pulled, used to catch or hold something
- •The hunter made a noose to catch a rabbit.
- •The noose tightened around the branch to hold the swing.
- •He made a noose to hang the heavy bag securely.
(Less common) A symbol or tool related to punishment or danger (historical or cultural meaning)
- •In old stories, a noose was used as a symbol of danger.
- •The museum showed an old noose used in history.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "noose" like "rope loop," but one that gets tighter when you pull it
- ✓Picture a rope with a circle at the end that closes like a trap when pulled
- ✓It's the feeling of a trap closing around something, holding it very tight
- ✓Sounds like "news" → imagine hearing "news" about a trap catching something
- ✓In stories, nooses are often shown as traps or tools to catch animals or hold things firmly
- ✓NOT like "knot" (which is tied and fixed), a noose tightens and can open or close depending on pulling
- ✓NOT like "loop" (which stays the same size), a noose changes size and tightens when pulled
- ✓NOT like "lasso" (a special rope used by cowboys to catch animals by throwing), but similar because both tighten around something
Try Other Words
- •Loop: a round shape made by rope or string (Use when the shape does not change size)
- •Knot: a tied part of rope that does not move (Use when the rope is tied firmly and does not tighten or loosen)
- •Lasso: a rope with a loop used to catch animals (Use when talking about throwing a rope to catch animals)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix) — the whole word is simple
- •Etymology: From Old English "nosu," meaning a loop or knot made in rope
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe a loop of rope that tightens; also connected to hunting and trapping
- •Modern usage: Used to describe a tightening loop of rope, often in hunting, trapping, or symbolic contexts
- •Interesting fact: The noose is known for its tightening action, which makes it useful but also dangerous
Reflect & Connect
•How does the tightening action of a noose help or harm in different situations?
•Can you think of other tools or objects that work by tightening around something like a noose?
Fill in the blanks
1.The noose ___ tighter when you pull the rope, making it useful for catching animals.
2.Hunters use a noose because it can ___ around the animal quickly.
3.Unlike a simple loop, a noose changes size and ___ when pulled.
4.The noose was placed on the tree branch to ___ the swing firmly.
5.A noose is different from a knot because it can ___ or loosen depending on the pull.
6.In stories, a noose often ___ danger or a trap.
7.The rope was tied into a noose, so it could ___ the heavy load securely.