hoop

[ hoop, hoop ]

noun

1. a circular band or ring of metal, wood, or other stiff material.
2. such a band for holding together the staves of a cask, tub, etc.
3. a large ring of iron, wood, plastic, etc., used as a plaything for a child to roll along the ground.
4. a circular or ringlike object, part, figure, etc.
5. Jewelry. the shank of a finger ring.
6. Croquet. a wicket.
7. a circular band of stiff material used to expand and display a woman's skirt.
8. hoop skirt.
9. Basketball Informal.
   1. the metal ring from which the net is suspended; rim.
   2. the metal ring and net taken together; the basket.
   3. the game of basketball.
10. a decorative band, as around a mug or cup.
11. hoop iron.

verb (used with object)

1. to bind or fasten with or as if with a hoop or hoops.
2. to encircle; surround.

hoop

¹

/ huːp /

noun

1. a variant spelling of whoop

hoop

²

/ huːp /

noun

1. a rigid circular band of metal or wood
2. something resembling this
3. 1. a band of iron that holds the staves of a barrel or cask together
   2. ( as modifier )

      hoop iron

4. a child's toy shaped like a hoop and rolled on the ground or whirled around the body
5. croquet any of the iron arches through which the ball is driven
6. 1. a light curved frame to spread out a skirt
   2. ( as modifier )

      a hoop skirt

      a hoop petticoat

7. basketball the round metal frame to which the net is attached to form the basket
8. a large ring through which performers or animals jump
9. jewellery
   1. an earring consisting of one or more circles of metal, plastic, etc
   2. the part of a finger ring through which the finger fits
10. informal.
    a jockey
11. go through the hoop or be put through the hoop
    to be subjected to an ordeal

verb

1. tr to surround with or as if with a hoop

Derived Forms

• ˈhoopˌlike, adjective
• hooped, adjective

Other Words From

• hoopless adjective
• hooplike adjective
• un·hooped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoop¹

1125–75; Middle English hope, hoop, late Old English hōp; cognate with Dutch hoep

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoop¹

Old English hōp; related to Dutch hoep, Old Norse hōp bay, Lithuanian kabẽ hook

Idioms and Phrases

see jump through hoops .

Example Sentences

“Too often, businesses make people jump through endless hoops just to cancel a subscription,” said FTC chair Lina Khan.

From BBC

“Too often, businesses make people jump through endless hoops just to cancel a subscription,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a statement.

From Salon

Dressed in a stunning wash of brightly colored patterns with a thick string of peals, large hoop earrings and white fishnet stockings, Von Furstenberg radiates an effortless glamour.

From Los Angeles Times

Parents are having to "jump through multiple hoops" to get support, while their children can end up in crisis and robbed of their potential, she said.

From BBC

Here’s a rundown on who qualifies for a test-free renewal and the hoops seniors still need to jump through.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• basket
• rim