hoop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “hoop” mean?
A circular band or ring, typically made of metal, wood, or plastic, used for holding things together, as a toy, or as part of a game or structure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A circular band or ring, typically made of metal, wood, or plastic, used for holding things together, as a toy, or as part of a game or structure.
1. A basketball rim/net. 2. An earring with a circular shape. 3. A circular frame used in embroidery (tambour). 4. A series of such objects, as in 'hula hoop'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'hoop' as jewellery ('hoop earrings') is slightly more common in fashion contexts than in American English, where the basketball sense dominates. The phrase 'jump through hoops' (to undergo difficult procedures) is equally common.
Connotations
UK: Slightly stronger association with historical dress (e.g., hoop skirts), children's games, and crafts. US: Strongest immediate association is with basketball.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to basketball culture.
Grammar
How to Use “hoop” in a Sentence
roll [OBJ] hoopshoot [PREP] the hoopjump through [OBJ] hoopsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hoop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cooper will hoop the barrel with iron bands.
American English
- He managed to hoop the ball from the half-court line.
adjective
British English
- She wore a striking hoop necklace.
American English
- The player made a spectacular hoop shot.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'We had to jump through endless bureaucratic hoops to get the permit.'
Academic
'The study examined the kinematics of a rolling hoop.'
Everyday
'The kids were playing with a hula hoop in the garden.'
Technical
'Secure the fabric within the embroidery hoop before stitching.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoop”
- Incorrect plural: 'hoops' (correct), not 'hoop' for multiple. Confusing 'hoop' with 'hope' in spelling.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while strongly associated with basketball in the US, it also refers to circular objects like earrings, toy hoops, and embroidery frames.
A 'hoop' is typically a rigid, complete circle, often with a hollow centre. A 'ring' can be a band (like a wedding ring) or a less rigid circle, and is often smaller and associated with fingers.
It means to go through a lot of difficult or tedious procedures to achieve something, like a circus animal performing tricks.
Yes, though rare. As a verb, it can mean to bind or encircle with a hoop (e.g., 'hoop a barrel') or, informally in basketball, to score by putting the ball through the hoop.
A circular band or ring, typically made of metal, wood, or plastic, used for holding things together, as a toy, or as part of a game or structure.
Hoop is usually neutral in register.
Hoop: in British English it is pronounced /huːp/, and in American English it is pronounced /huːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “jump through hoops”
- “shoot some hoops”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the double 'O' in HOOP as two basketball hoops side by side.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAME (e.g., 'jump through hoops' = undergo difficult challenges).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'hoop' LEAST likely to be used?