<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a circular band or ring of metal, wood, or other stiff material</li><li>such a band for holding together the staves of a cask, tub, etc.</li><li>a large ring of iron, wood, plastic, etc., used as a plaything for a child to roll along the ground</li><li>a circular or ringlike object, part, figure, etc.</li><li>the shank of a finger ring (Jewelry)</li><li>a wicket (Croquet)</li><li>a circular band of stiff material used to expand and display a woman's skirt; hoop skirt</li><li>the metal ring from which the net is suspended; rim (Basketball, Informal)</li><li>the metal ring and net taken together; the basket</li><li>the game of basketball</li><li>a decorative band, as around a mug or cup</li><li>hoop iron</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to bind or fasten with or as if with a hoop or hoops</li><li>to encircle; surround</li></ul>