Search Dictionary
Definition of hoop

hoop

/huːp/
hoop

Plural:hoops
•
Past Simple:hooped
•
Past Participle:hooped
•
Present Participle:hooping
JUMP TO:

hoop Lexical Profile

hoop Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The horizontal metal ring with an attached net used as the scoring target in basketball.

Example

"He dribbled past the final defender and drove straight to the hoop for an easy layup."


2

A circular band or ring of stiff material, such as metal or wood, used for binding casks or rolled along the ground as a toy.

Example

"The children spent the afternoon rolling a large wooden hoop down the cobblestone street."


3

A large circular framework used to expand and support a woman's full skirt.

Example

"Her elaborate Victorian dress was structured by a wide hoop that made moving through doorways difficult."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hoop

• verb

1

North American To play the game of basketball.

Example

"After finishing their homework, the teenagers headed down to the local park to hoop."


2

To bind, encircle, or fasten tightly with a circular band or ring.

Example

"The master cooper hooped the oak barrel with iron bands to ensure it was completely watertight."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hoop
Antonyms
View all antonyms for hoop

• Rhymes for hoop

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'hop', derived from Old English 'hōp' (a band or ring), tracing back to Proto-Germanic '*hōpaz'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hoop. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hoop
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.