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Definition of hop

hop

/hɑːp/
hop

Plural:hops
•
Past Simple:hopped
•
Past Participle:hopped
•
Present Participle:hopping
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hop Lexical Profile

hop Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A short bounding leap or jump, particularly one made on a single foot by a human or with all feet simultaneously by an animal.

Example

"The rabbit made a quick hop toward the safety of the garden fence."


2

A climbing vine of the hemp family (Humulus lupulus), or its dried, cone-like flowers (usually used in the plural 'hops') which act as a bittering and preservative agent in brewing beer.

Example

"The craft brewery prides itself on using locally grown hops for their signature pale ale."


3

A short journey or distance, typically referring to a brief flight.

Example

"The flight from London to Paris is just a short hop across the English Channel."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To move by making short leaps on one foot, or to jump with all feet simultaneously.

Example

"The children played a game where they had to hop across the playground without stepping on the painted lines."


2

To get onto or off a vehicle quickly, or to travel a short distance rapidly.

Example

"We decided to hop on the next bus heading downtown to avoid the sudden rainstorm."


3

To move swiftly or transition rapidly from one place, activity, or subject to another.

Example

"He tends to hop from one job to another without ever settling into a long-term career."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for hop

Word Origin & Etymology

The word has two distinct origins. The leaping sense comes from Old English 'hoppian' (to spring or leap), of Germanic origin. The plant used in brewing comes from Middle Dutch 'hoppe', first recorded in English in the 15th century.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hop. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hop
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