hoop

1 of 2

noun

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 How to pronounce hoop (audio)
 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

Examples of hoop in a Sentence

Noun made Christmas garlands from hoops of red and green construction paper
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Clients without internet access, unlimited cellphone minutes, or the ability to travel to a public assistance office may not be able to jump through the hoops to keep their benefits. Katheryn Houghton, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2023 These silver hoop earrings are stunning and only $20 for a set of three. Maura Jenkins, Glamour, 27 Nov. 2023 Rabanne Eight Nano hoop earrings Rabanne’s gold hoops make any outfit instantly cool. Porter Simmons, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2023 The Duchess of Sussex swept her hair back in a bun and added small gold hoop earrings — and the sleek fashion statement marked her latest time in a favorite neckline! Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023 For example, kids can jump over towels or wiggle through a hula hoop. 10 of 17 10. Nicole Harris, Parents, 16 Nov. 2023 Embroider the design, then place in a miniature embroidery hoop (use hot glue to seal the edges). Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2023 There are the standard small hoops and huggies, but Michelle’s first collection shines with standouts like the Donut earring sets, a fat hoop design with a glittering crystal smacked into the middle. Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2023 Harbour Hoop Earrings Gold hoops are having a moment, and this classic pair can be worn to add a finishing touch to any look. Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2023
Verb
Chalamet sported a black hoodie with a matching baseball cap, while Jenner rocked hooped earrings and a stylish updo hairstyle with a black, strapless top. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2023 The advent of one-and-done college players means that many arrive ill-equipped to hoop with adults. Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 21 June 2023 For example, a weighted hula hoop workout could include six rounds of hula hooping. Erin Warwood, womenshealthmag.com, 8 Apr. 2023 Janie Taylor did the costumes; the men’s leotards are gray on top and charcoal on the bottom, with a thin red waistband, whereas the women’s are hooped black and white on top and white on the bottom, with the same red waistband. Jeffrey Gantz, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Apr. 2023 These guys can hoop, too. Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune, 14 Mar. 2021 Nevertheless, panniers, or hooped petticoats undergirding the hips, and their 16th- and 17th-century relatives, farthingales, stepped out of the history books and onto the spring runways. Véronique Hyland, ELLE, 21 Mar. 2023 Anybody can hoop in this tournament. Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, 15 Mar. 2023 My job is to hoop. Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hoop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hoop was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near hoop

Cite this Entry

“Hoop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hoop. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on hoop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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