hoop / hoōp/ • n. a circular band of metal, wood, or similar material, esp. one used for binding the staves of barrels or forming part of a framework. ∎  the round metal rim from which a basketball net is suspended. ∎  (hoops) inf. the game of basketball. ∎  a large ring used as a toy by being bowled along. ∎  a large ring, typically with paper stretched over it, for circus performers to jump through. ∎  one of a pair of rings that hold fabric taut while it is being embroidered. ∎  hist. a circle of flexible material used for expanding a woman's petticoat or skirt. ∎ short for hoop petticoat. ∎  chiefly Brit. a croquet wicket.• v. [tr.] bind or encircle with or as with hoops.PHRASES: jump through hoops perform a difficult and grueling series of tests at someone else's request or command: we had to jump through all sorts of hoops to win accreditation.shoot hoops play basketball.DERIVATIVES: hooped adj.

hoop2 utter a cry of ‘hoop’. XIV. ME. houpe, howpe — (O)F. houper, f. houp (imit.).
Hence hooping (later whooping)-cough XVIII. cf. WHOOP.

hoop1 circle of metal, etc. XII. Late OE. hōp = MDu. hoop (Du. hoep) :- WGmc. *χōpa, rel. to ON. hōp small land-locked bay.