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 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 of hoop

Noun

• loop
• ring
• band
• circle
• belt
• 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

Contributor Jenelle Riley headed backstage before opening night to watch the high-stakes performers warm up with poles, hoops, ropes and more. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Clutching an aerial hoop on a Johannesburg circus stage, a young performer pauses for a split second before launching into the air and gliding, drawing cheers from the crowd below. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Verb

Very few guys will ever be good enough at hooping to become an NBA trade asset. — Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Houston was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1993 and played with them for three seasons before hooping with the New York Knicks from 1996 to 2005. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 24 June 2026

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