loaner

USAGE SUMMARY

'loaner' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person, object, or other item that has been temporarily given to someone who will be responsible for its return. Example sentence: The library allowed me to borrow a laptop as a loaner while my computer was being repaired.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This I have mostly done, but for the purpose of this assignment I've had a loaner at home — a Wii, with all the fixin's.

The New Yorker

In a Times piece not long ago, Kenneth Lieberthal, a China hand at the Brookings Institution, said that he not only leaves his phone and laptop at home, but also turns off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, uses a loaner phone, and takes the battery out for meetings.

The New Yorker

Is Thomas still, to put it bluntly, the loaner you made him out to be in 1993?

The New Yorker

I suppose it could have been a loaner, but the way she engaged with it — the obvious pride and pleasure she was radiating — led me to believe that the child was hers.

The New Yorker

Then, at perhaps my lowest point, I imagined that I had a son who I sent to the people to do with as they wished — some kind of bizarre loaner, I guess.

The New Yorker

The moment the queen and court were announced — Kristen, Shaunie Surrency, Britney Balliet, Jackie Raulerson, and Amanda Sparkman — the town laid gifts at their feet, ranging from loaner fox stoles for chilly nights at the festival to scholarship money, and free tanning sessions at Planet Beach.

The New Yorker

James got used to the sound of his Remington; when it was in the repair shop and he had to use a loaner, the new machine's different sound drove him crazy.

The New Yorker

Andy jogs ahead to their loaner getaway vehicle.

The New Yorker

At AirPatrol, a company based in Columbia, Md., that specializes in wireless security systems, employees take only loaner devices to China and Russia, never enable Bluetooth and always switch off the microphone and camera.

The New York Times - Tech

In an unusual move, Ford advised owners to stop driving their vehicles and said it was "extremely important" that they contact dealers, who would deliver loaner vehicles to the customers.

The New York Times

The glasses sold out early on, and loaner pairs -- glasses without prescription lenses that the company will send free to customers who want to try them on -- are often back-ordered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about services, clarify the terms of use for the "loaner", including duration, conditions, and any associated fees or requirements. This avoids misunderstandings and sets clear expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "loaner" when you mean lender. "Loaner" refers to the item temporarily provided, while a lender is the person or entity providing the item. Misusing these terms can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The word "loaner" functions primarily as a noun, referring to something that is loaned or provided temporarily. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in this context. It can also describe someone who lends, though this is less common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "loaner" is a common noun that refers to something provided temporarily for use, as validated by Ludwig. Primarily found in news and media, it describes items such as "loaner cars" or "loaner laptops". Although it can also refer to a person who lends, this usage is less frequent. It's essential to distinguish "loaner" from "lender" to avoid confusion. Alternatives include "temporary replacement" or "courtesy item". Best practice involves clarifying the terms of use when discussing "loaners" in service contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

borrowed substitute

Specifies the borrowed nature, similar to a loan, and its role as a substitute.

temporary replacement

Focuses on the function of substituting something for a limited time.

short-term replacement

Emphasizes the brief duration of the item's use as a substitute.

courtesy item

Emphasizes that the item is provided as a gesture of goodwill or service.

interim solution

Highlights its purpose as a temporary fix or way to address a need.

provisional substitute

Highlights the interim nature of the item and its role as a replacement.

temporary accommodation

Focuses on the fact that this is a temporary act to address a situation.

rental alternative

Implies that instead of buying, something is a paid rental for temporary use.

spare provision

Highlights that it is a reserve item available for temporary use.

temporary handout

Suggests a free, short-term provision of something.

FAQs

How do you use "loaner" in a sentence?

You can use "loaner" to describe an item that is temporarily provided for use, such as "I am driving a "loaner car" while my car is in the shop" or "The company provides "loaner laptops" for employees traveling internationally".

What is another word for "loaner"?

Alternatives to "loaner" include "temporary replacement", "courtesy item", or "borrowed substitute", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "loaner vehicle"?

Yes, "loaner vehicle" is a common and accepted term, especially in the automotive industry, to refer to a car provided temporarily while the owner's vehicle is being repaired.

What's the difference between a "loaner" and a "rental"?

A "loaner" is usually provided for free as a courtesy, often when a product is under repair. A "rental" is an item you pay to use for a specific period.