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

The model was spotted wearing a white crocheted sweater and hoop earrings, and the actor looked laid back behind the wheel in a black tee and sunglasses. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk's First Post-Oscars Appearance Is Extremely Relatable," 26 Feb. 2019 This simple cornrow is taken up several notches with the addition of hoop accent jewelry. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "13 Gorgeous Cornrows Photos to Inspire Your Next Look," 30 Jan. 2019 Hailey wore her pastel hair in a stick-straight style, with a few strands tucked behind her ears, showing off her trendy gold hoops. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Hailey Bieber Steps Out With Light Pink Hair," 13 Jan. 2019 Keep the stud or hoop stationary and gently move the suds inside and out and rinse. — Devon Abelman, Allure, "Everything You Want to Know About Tragus Piercings — Including How Much They Hurt," 13 Aug. 2018 Not yet ready to give up on his hoop dreams, however, Budinger explored options elsewhere. — Max Meyer, SI.com, "Chase Budinger Rediscovers Volleyball Dream After NBA Career," 26 June 2018 As football teams are in the weight room, doing 7-on-7 and big man competitions, Henry has stayed focused on his hoop dream. — Richard Obert, azcentral, "Mountain Pointe big man Deandre Henry walks way from football to chase hoop dream," 9 June 2018 Twine is the immediate destination of the game-winning shots in every player's hoop dreams. — Bill Livingston, cleveland.com, "Is LeBron James nearing another end game with Cleveland Cavaliers? -- Bill Livingston (photos)," 21 Apr. 2018 Still, someone’s hoop dreams will come true tonight by the end of the NCAA Basketball Championship at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. — Chuck Barney, Detroit Free Press, "TV highlights for the week of April 1-7," 31 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

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 Related Group activities there ranged from ballet lessons and study sessions to hula-hooping to Taylor Swift and playing Uno. — NBC News, "On ninth day, what Oklahoma teacher walkout means for students," 12 Apr. 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.