Definition

1. Noun:

   • A circular band or ring: A rigid circular band made of metal, wood, or other material, used for holding, fastening, hanging, or pulling things together.
   • A basketball goal: The horizontal circular metal ring that supports a net, through which players try to throw the basketball to score.
   • A croquet arch: A small, curved wire arch used as a wicket in the game of croquet.
   • A historical garment support: A circular frame, historically made of bone or wood, used to hold out a skirt, such as in a hoop skirt or crinoline.
   • A circus or toy ring: A circular object, such as one used for tricks (e.g., a hula hoop) or for animals to jump through in a circus.

2. Verb:

   • To bind or encircle with a hoop: To fasten or secure something by putting a circular band around it.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The old barrel was held together by a metal hoop.
  • He made the final shot, and the ball swished through the hoop.
  • In croquet, you must hit the ball through each hoop.
  • Her dress from the 1860s required a large hoop underneath.
  • The children rolled the hoops down the hill.

• Verb:

  • The cooper will hoop the wooden staves to form a barrel.

Advanced Usage

• "To jump/go through hoops": To undergo a difficult or demanding series of tests or procedures.
  • I had to jump through hoops to get that visa approved.
• "To be put through the hoop": To be subjected to a severe test or ordeal.
  • The new recruits were put through the hoop during basic training.

Variants and Related Words

• Hoopla (noun): Excited commotion or fuss; also, a game where rings are tossed.
• Hoop skirt (noun): A skirt expanded by a framework of hoops.
• Hula hoop (noun): A toy hoop that is twirled around the waist, limbs, or neck.

Synonyms

• Ring: A circular band, often of precious metal.
• Band: A flat, thin strip or loop of material.
• Circle: A round plane figure.
• Loop: A shape produced by a curve that bends around and crosses itself.
• Wheel: A circular frame that rotates on an axle.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Hoop up: (Informal, rare) To get excited or energized.
  • The crowd was hooped up for the big game.

Related Idioms

• "To roll one's hoop": To mind one's own business or proceed steadily with one's own affairs. (Archaic)
  • He just kept rolling his hoop, ignoring the office gossip.

Noun

1. horizontal circular metal hoop supporting a net through which players try to throw the basketball
2. a small arch used as croquet equipment
3. a rigid circular band of metal or wood or other material used for holding or fastening or hanging or pulling
   • there was still a rusty iron hoop for tying a horse
4. a light curved skeleton to spread out a skirt

Verb

1. bind or fasten with a hoop
   • hoop vats