loose cannon

noun

: a dangerously uncontrollable person or thing

Examples of loose cannon in a Sentence

a politician who is regarded as a loose cannon by her colleagues
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is known for being a bit of a loose cannon on the football field. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Over his career, he was described as a blunt, independent, outspoken politician who was a maverick, boat-rocker, loose cannon, skilled partisan, and, above all, political survivor. — ABC News, 7 June 2026 Over his career, he was described as a blunt, independent, outspoken politician who was a boat-rocker, loose cannon, skilled partisan, and — for most of his career — political survivor. — Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026 Darlene bills herself as a girl who found herself over the course of the show, particularly in the roast, and as a lovely loose cannon. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loose cannon

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loose cannon was in 1973

Rhymes for loose cannon

See All Rhymes for loose cannon

Browse Nearby Words

loose box
loose cannon
loose change
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loose cannon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loose%20cannon. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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