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

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 The process is complicated and cumbersome—almost comical with all the hoops workers... — Robert J. Bellafiore, WSJ, "The New York Union That Says Ni," 7 Apr. 2019 Salata-Fitch added that a series of wacky bar games would be available at the Classic Q that night, including blindfolded billiards and shooting a football through a basketball hoop. — Andrew Turner, latimes.com, "Irrelevant Week presents full slate for Washington Redskins receiver Trey Quinn," 15 June 2018 Leave it to Gigi to put her own spin on the look with gold hoops and coordinating blue snakeskin stilettos, elevating the look from fashionably casual to superhero chic faster than Clark Kent turns into Superman. — Teen Vogue, "Gigi Hadid Wears Powder Blue Jumpsuit and Matching Cape at Variety's Power of Women Event," 6 Apr. 2019 The hoops showcase is the centerpiece of the NCAA’s revenue. — Larry Fenn, The Seattle Times, "Money Madness: AP analysis shows growing gap in NCAA payouts," 27 Mar. 2019 Carr is the son of Missouri basketball assistant Cornell Mann and could also get on the Tigers radar for hoops as well. — Alex Schiffer, kansascity, "This week in Mizzou recruiting: MPJ, Maliq Carr, Caleb Love and an ode to coaches," 22 June 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.