hoop skirt

noun

1. a woman's skirt made to stand out and drape in a stiff bell-like shape from the waist by an undergarment framework of flexible hoops connected by tapes.
2. the framework for such a skirt.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoop skirt¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

I love the vintage-y drama of the enormous hoop skirt, the unexpected casualness of the buttoned top, the beautiful shape of it all — not to mention the added bonus of some aggressively enforced personal space.

From Seattle Times

Her Marie Antoinette-style dress is elegant and intricate, with detailed lace along the edges, an angular corset and different white, pink and gold layers filling out the hoop skirt.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m wearing a hoop skirt, so I can’t do that much. Sitting down was a nightmare.”

From New York Times

Janelle Monáe in a see-through hoop skirt, Sean “Diddy” Combs in an elaborate black cloak that marked the return of his Sean John line.

From Washington Post

When Cardi B walked the carpet in her second outfit of the night — a hoop skirt covered in puffy black flowers, which followed her first appearance in a pink corset number with a stand-up tulle collar — that meant we were down to waiting for one more guest.

From Washington Post