# hoops

/ˈhups/ (US) · /hˈuːps/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hoops
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. circular objects

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. basketball

noun · CEFR B2 · American English · Informal · Slang

a casual name for the game of basketball.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually appears in the phrase 'shoot hoops' or 'play hoops'.

### 3. earrings

noun · CEFR B1

earrings that are shaped like large circles.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. bureaucratic hurdles

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Almost exclusively used in the idiom 'jump through hoops'.

## Examples

- Do you want to go play some hoops at the park?
- After finishing their homework, the teenagers headed to the local court to shoot some hoops until sunset.
- While he excelled in various sports, his true passion was always hoops, spending every summer afternoon perfecting his jump shot on the asphalt courts of his neighborhood.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.