hoop

noun, often attributive

\ ˈhüp also ˈhu̇p

Definition of hoop

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

2a : 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

hoop

verb

hooped; hooping; hoops

Definition of hoop (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

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

Other Words from hoop Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about hoop

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Synonyms for hoop

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

Of course, her stylish outfit was its own clue; Camila shared a selfie sporting a sheer black tee, small gold hoop earrings, and trendy tiny sunnies in a summery orange shade. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Kacey Musgraves, Tierra Whack, and More Coachella 2019 Weekend 2 Best Celebrity Looks," 21 Apr. 2019 Kardashian matched her hair with an all-gold ensemble: a wrap dress, stilettos, hoop earrings, and metallic eye shadow. — Wendy Sy, Allure, "Khloé Kardashian Tries Big, Curly Blonde Hair on for Size at Diana Ross's 75th Birthday Party," 27 Mar. 2019 Bella Hadid rocked the duo, adding her trademark '90s touch: hoop earrings, chunky boots, and a teeny shoulder bag. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "10 Instagram-Worthy Ways to Wear Boyfriend Jeans," 8 Jan. 2019 Be sure to accessorize with large hoop earrings (the bigger the better) and some chunky gold rings and bracelets. — Bethonie Butler, The Seattle Times, "8 last-minute pop-culture Halloween costumes for 2018," 29 Oct. 2018 She was last seen wearing rain boots and large silver hoop earrings. — Zachary Hansen, ajc, "Mattie’s Call issued for 2 missing people in Clayton County," 25 May 2018 When applied in geometric lines on classic hoops, the effect is modernist and vaguely bohemian, with just the right amount of sheen. — Vogue, "5 Spring Essentials to Stock Up On," 19 Mar. 2019 Kylie posted a video on her Insta story of Travis shooting some hoops while Stormi watched from afar. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "Here's How All of Your Favorite Celeb Couples Celebrated Valentine's Day," 15 Feb. 2019 Sports Facilities Mason Phelps shoots hoops in the gym in his Chicago home while his wife, Abby, and three kids watch from the playroom. — Katy Mclaughlin, WSJ, "Wealthy Parents Help Child Athletes Go Pro in Their Own Backyards," 16 Aug. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Last week: 3 Results: Lost at Oregon State 72-57 Next up: at USC (Thursday) Comment: What’s left for the Ducks after getting swept in the Civil War hoops series? — Jon Wilner, The Seattle Times, "Pac-12 power rankings: As regular season winds down, UW still the clear favorite," 19 Feb. 2019 Garrett said during a recent interview at Brett Ballard’s Washburn University hoops camp at Lee Arena in Topeka. — Gary Bedore, kansascity, "KU sophomore Garrett changes shooting form: 'I feel comfortable now'," 2 July 2018 The image of the Mamba, relentless and obsessive, fed the perception that he would be lost without the competitive outlet that hoops provided. — Lee Jenkins, SI.com, "Fantastic Voyage: Kobe Bryant Is Now an Entertainment Mogul with a Friendlier Mission," 12 July 2018 If the hooper cannot hoop through the full minute with the Hula-Hoop, try starting over again or try collecting data for only 30 seconds. — Science Buddies, Scientific American, "Swiveling Science: Applying Physics to Hula-Hooping," 11 July 2013 The locale was Staples Center, one of the grandest stages a basketball player can hoop on. — Patrick Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "Your call: Which Xavier University loss in NCAA Tournament was the worst? Vot in our poll. \," 19 Mar. 2018 When combined with his deadpan delivery and wry sense of humor, each obstacle to overcome or hoop to jump through takes on a life of its own. — Alexis Burling, SFChronicle.com, "‘I Will Be Complete,’ by Glen David Gold," 21 June 2018 At La Costa Glen, Joan still practices hooping with her original bamboo ring. — Pam Kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Carlsbad's 'Hula Girl' gives her spin on toy's history," 9 June 2018 Young broke out during the PK80 Invitational in front of the tournaments’ namesake, Nike chairman Phil Knight, and has played on the Nike hoops circuit since AAU. — Jarrel Harris, SI.com, "Trae Young, Marvin Bargley and Basketball's Next Sneaker Stars," 21 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hoop.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.