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 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

Some of the best gifts for 2-year-olds channel their excess energy into an active hobby, such as zooming around on their balance bike or shooting hoops at an adjustable basketball hoop. —Anja Webb, Parents, 7 Nov. 2025

The mother of two kept it minimal on the jewelry front, skipping a necklace and accessorizing with three small diamond hoops on each ear. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025

Verb

With metallic outfits and coordinating accessories, including silver hooped earrings, sparkling necklaces, super-cool shades, silver heels, and a beaded purse, Barbie Deluxe’s look is one that reigns supreme. —Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025

Nobody does hoop earrings quite as well as Jennifer Fisher, whose brand has become synonymous with the perfect chunky hoops that editors and celebrities can’t get enough of. —Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 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