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 star added some sparkle with diamond hoop earrings and a sparkly purse. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 21 May 2025

Among the many factors that have slowed production in Los Angeles to a crawl are some of the hoops filmmakers have to jump through to get a movie made in the city or state. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 20 May 2025

Verb

Alexander also starred in the stunning AIDS drama series of the same name and was a featured guest on John’s Apple Music show while promoting his triple-threat skills (acting, singing, hula hooping). —Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025

Late basketball star Kobe Bryant hooped it up at a $23.5 million pad with an indoor basketball facility, while a $15 million eco-friendly home sits on 22 acres. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for hoop

• coop
• coupe
• croup
• droop
• drupe
• dupe
• group
• loop
• lupe
• oop
• poop
• roop

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