hoops

n. more than one circular band or ring made of metal, plastic, or wood.

n. the plural form of hoop, referring to multiple circular objects or bands used for binding, support, or play.

“The children were playing with plastic hoops in the park.”

“The barrel was reinforced with several rusted iron hoops that had begun to loosen over decades of storage in the damp cellar.”

n. a casual name for the game of basketball.

n. a metonymic term for the game of basketball, typically used in informal contexts.

“Do you want to go to the park and shoot some hoops?”

“After finishing their homework, the teenagers headed to the local community centre to play hoops until the lights went out.”

American English · Informal · Slang

n. earrings that are shaped like large circles.

n. earrings consisting of a large metal or plastic ring that passes through the earlobe.

“She wore large gold hoops that brushed against her shoulders.”

“The fashion designer paired the minimalist outfit with oversized silver hoops to add a touch of eighties-inspired flair to the look.”

n. difficult things you must do to finish a process or get what you want.

n. metaphorical obstacles or complex administrative requirements that must be satisfied to achieve a goal.

“I had to jump through a lot of hoops to get my visa approved.”

“The new regulations forced small business owners to jump through endless hoops just to secure a basic operating permit.”

Informal