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 sign triggered public outrage as surprised residents questioned why the city would get rid of the popular beachside hoops that have been a hit for decades. —Susannah Bryan, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025

When Orlando created some distance again late in the second quarter, pulling ahead by six points, Tatum responded by driving to the hoop for a layup and a dunk on the Celtics’ final two possessions of the half. —Jay King, New York Times, 30 Apr. 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