hoops

hoops · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of hoop; circular bands or rings.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) The game of basketball.

  3. 3.

    Circular frames or rings used in various activities.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    jump through hoops — to go through a difficult or tedious process to achieve something
  • •
    shoot hoops — to play basketball casually
  • •
    hoop earrings — circular earrings worn through the ear

Related words

See also: basketball, hoop, ring
Synonyms: bands, circles, rings

Etymology

Plural of hoop, from Old English hōp ("mound, band, hoop"), related to Dutch hoep. The basketball slang developed in American English in the 20th century.