plural hoops
1
a
: a circular object : a large ring
She wore gold hoops as earrings. = She wore hoop earrings.
b
: a large metal ring used for holding together the sides of a barrel
c
: a large ring used by performers or for play
2
basketball
a
: a metal ring that the ball must go through in order to score points
He grabbed the rebound and put the ball back up through the hoop. [=basket, net]
b
informal
: a successful shot
They scored a quick hoop [=basket, bucket] on a fast break.
c
US, informal
: basketball
hoop fans
—usually pluralhoops fans
Let's play/shoot some hoops.
a game of hoops
college/pro hoops
3
: an arch through which the ball must be hit in the game of croquet : wicket
Cite this Entry
“Hoop.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/hoop. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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