hoop
hoop Lexical Profile
hoop Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The horizontal metal ring with an attached net used as the scoring target in basketball.
"He dribbled past the final defender and drove straight to the hoop for an easy layup."
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.
"The children spent the afternoon rolling a large wooden hoop down the cobblestone street."
A large circular framework used to expand and support a woman's full skirt.
"Her elaborate Victorian dress was structured by a wide hoop that made moving through doorways difficult."
• verb
North American To play the game of basketball.
"After finishing their homework, the teenagers headed down to the local park to hoop."
To bind, encircle, or fasten tightly with a circular band or ring.
"The master cooper hooped the oak barrel with iron bands to ensure it was completely watertight."
• 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.