Definition

Noun: A basketball hoop is the horizontal circular metal rim, with an attached net, through which players must shoot the ball to score points in the game of basketball. It is mounted to a backboard.

Usage

The term "basketball hoop" refers specifically to the goal apparatus. It is a count noun. - The player aimed carefully and shot the ball through the basketball hoop. - We need to adjust the height of the basketball hoop for the younger children. - The new park has six full courts with sturdy basketball hoops.

Advanced Usage

• "To dunk on the hoop": To score by jumping and forcefully putting the ball directly down through the basketball hoop.
  • The crowd cheered when he managed to dunk on the hoop.
• "To swish through the hoop": To score by shooting the ball so perfectly it touches only the net, not the rim of the basketball hoop.
  • Her perfect shot swished through the hoop.

Variants and Related Words

• Hoop (n): A common informal shortening for "basketball hoop."
  • He practices shooting at the hoop every day.
• Rim (n): Specifically refers to the circular metal part of the basketball hoop.
  • The ball hit the rim and bounced out.
• Net (n): The meshed cord hanging from the rim of the basketball hoop.
  • She replaced the torn net on the basketball hoop.

Synonyms

• Goal: The structure or object into which the ball must be sent to score. (General term)
• Basket: A common synonym in basketball terminology, though it historically referred to the peach basket used in the original game.

Related Phrases

• "Shoot hoops": To practice or play basketball, often informally.
  • Let's go to the park and shoot some hoops.
• "Nothing but net": An exclamation for a perfect shot that goes through the basketball hoop without touching the rim.
  • His three-pointer was nothing but net.

Noun

1. horizontal circular metal hoop supporting a net through which players try to throw the basketball