hoop

1 of 2

noun

ˈhüp 

also

ˈhu̇p 

often attributive

1

: a circular strip used especially for holding together the staves of containers or as a plaything

2

a

: a circular figure or object : ring

b

: the rim of a basketball goal

broadly : the entire goal

3

: a circle or series of circles of flexible material used to expand a woman's skirt

4

: basketball

—usually used in plural

hooplike

ˈhüp-ˌlīk 

 also  ˈhu̇p

adjective

hoop

2 of 2

verb

hooped; hooping; hoops

transitive verb

: to bind or fasten with or as if with a hoop

hooper noun

Synonyms

Noun

• band
• circle
• eye
• loop
• ring
• round

Examples of hoop in a Sentence

Noun

made Christmas garlands from hoops of red and green construction paper

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The arena, which was built to resemble a net with a ball at the center, is also adorned by a smattering of public art created by local artists, like murals, sculptures and digital displays, including a ship comprising basketball hoops and backboards designed by Glenn Kaino. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Aug. 2024

Christmas Day hoops will pit Denver against a Phoenix team featuring two Olympic gold medalists and All-Stars, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Boston Celtics (Jan. 7). —Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 15 Aug. 2024

Verb

Possibilities include obstacles to go around or over with a hula hoop in hand and designated spots to roll your hula hoop a certain distance, jump rope with it, spin it around the waist for 15 seconds, and/or set it down and hop two-footed in and out of it 10 times. —Catherine Holecko, Parents, 16 July 2024

Many of the mainstream conversations have centred around the league’s historic rookie class, including Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, both of whom hooped against each other in college to similar national attention. —Carmen Phillips, refinery29.com, 26 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hōp; akin to Middle Dutch hoep ring, hoop

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hoop

• cock-a-hoop
• hoop house

Kids Definition

hoop

noun

ˈhu̇p,

ˈhüp

1

: a circular band used for holding together the strips that make up the sides of a barrel

also : a similar band used as a toy

2

a

: a circular figure or object : ring

b

: the rim of a basketball goal

broadly : the entire goal

3

: basketball

—usually used in plural

4

: a circle or series of circles of flexible material used to expand a woman's skirt

hoop verb