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Hoop Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hoop

[huːp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

basketball

A circular band of metal or wood used in the game of basketball to score points by shooting the ball through it.

Synonyms

goal, rim, ring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hoop

Typically used to refer to a ring or circular band, especially as it pertains to objects like basketball hoops or earrings.

  • She scored by shooting the ball through the hoop.
  • Her earrings were large gold hoops.
ring

Generally used to refer to a circular band, often associated with jewelry or sound.

  • She wore a diamond ring on her finger.
  • The phone began to ring.
rim

Often used to describe the outer edge of a circular object, especially in the context of wheels or basketball hoops.

  • The car has alloy rims.
  • He made an amazing shot that bounced off the rim and went in.
goal

Commonly used to describe an aim or desired outcome, especially in sports and personal objectives.

  • His goal is to become a doctor.
  • She scored the winning goal in the soccer match.

Examples of usage

  • The basketball player made a perfect shot through the hoop.
  • She practiced shooting hoops every day to improve her skills.
Context #2 | Noun

toy

A circular toy that is typically made of plastic or metal and can be spun around the waist or thrown and caught.

Synonyms

circle, loop, ring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hoop

Often used to describe a circular object that is used in sports or games, such as a basketball hoop, or in crafts and sewing, like an embroidery hoop.

  • She aimed the ball at the basketball hoop.
  • She stretched the fabric over the embroidery hoop.
ring

Usually used for a circular band, especially one worn as jewelry or for describing circular shapes in a poetic or descriptive manner.

  • She wore a beautiful diamond ring.
  • The smoke formed perfect rings in the air.
circle

Commonly refers to a round shape, often used in mathematics, geometry, or to describe a group of people or objects arranged in a circular formation.

  • We sat in a circle during the meeting.
  • Draw a circle using the compass on your paper.
loop

Typically used to describe a shape where something bends around to form an enclosed curve, often in software programming or when talking about repetitive actions.

  • The loop in the rope was secure.
  • The program runs a loop to process the data.

Examples of usage

  • The children were playing with a hula hoop in the park.
  • He bought a colorful hoop for his niece as a birthday present.
Context #3 | Verb

jumping through a hoop

To perform a trick or act of jumping through a circular object, often as part of a show or performance.

Synonyms

leap through, spring through, vault through.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hoop

Can also refer to jumping or performing tricks through circular objects, often seen in performance arts like circus shows.

  • The trained dog jumped through the flaming hoop
leap through

Used to describe a significant or energetic jump through an obstacle. Often implies effort or skill.

  • The athlete managed to leap through the ring of fire unscathed
spring through

Implies a quick and somewhat elastic jump through an opening or space, often with energy and vitality.

  • The cat sprang through the open window to catch the bird
vault through

Describes a higher and more acrobatic jump through something, usually involving skill and precision. Commonly used in gymnastics or parkour.

  • The gymnast vaulted through the rings with incredible grace

Examples of usage

  • The trained dog can hoop through a ring in a circus.
  • She amazed the audience by hoop jumping during the halftime show.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In basketball, a hoop is the metal ring through which players aim to throw the ball.
  • Hula hoops gained popularity in the 1950s and have become iconic in children's play and fitness.
  • In ancient Greece, hoops were made from wood and used in games as part of physical training.

Art and Culture

  • In many cultures, hoops are used as symbols of unity and continuity, representing eternity.
  • Hoops have become important in contemporary dance and performance art, often representing freedom of movement.
  • Traditional crafts in some cultures use hoops for weaving intricate patterns and designs.

Psychology

  • Playing with hoops can improve motor skills and coordination, especially in children.
  • The simple act of hooping can be a form of physical exercise, promoting mental well-being and reducing stress.
  • Studies show that movement, like hooping, can boost endorphins, leading to feelings of happiness.

History

  • Hooping games have existed since ancient times, with wooden hoops found in archaeological sites.
  • Rings and hoops were often used in early cultures for ceremonial purposes, such as in Native American dances.
  • The development of plastic hoops in the mid-20th century revolutionized recreational play, making it accessible to all.

Origin of 'hoop'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hoop' comes from the Middle English 'hoope,' meaning a circular band or ring.
  • It has connections to Old English and Old Norse words referring to circular or round objects.
  • The term has evolved over centuries to include various uses in sports and crafts.

The word 'hoop' originated from the Old English word 'hōp,' which meant a band or a ring. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, from describing a circular band in sports like basketball to a toy for children's play. The concept of jumping through a hoop has also been a common performance act. The word has evolved to represent different meanings over time, but its essence of circularity and playfulness has remained constant.

See also: hoops.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,573, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.