hoops

Noun

hoop (countable and uncountable, plural hoops)

1. A circular band of metal used to bind a barrel.
2. Any circular band or ring.
   • the cheese hoop, or cylinder in which the curd is pressed in making cheese
3. A circular band of metal, wood, or similar material used for forming part of a framework such as an awning or tent.
4. (historical) A circle, or combination of circles, of thin whalebone, metal, or other elastic material, used for expanding the skirts of ladies' dresses; (hence, by extension) a hoop petticoat or hoop skirt.
   • He took the removed chair and drew it so near mine, squatting in it with his ugly weight, that he pressed upon my hoop.1748, [Samuel Richardson], “Letter XVI”, in Clarissa. Or, The History of a Young Lady: […], volume (please specify |volume=I to VII), London: […] S[amuel] Richardson; [a]nd sold by John Osborn, […]...
5. A quart-pot; so called because originally bound with hoops, like a barrel. Also, a portion of the contents measured by the distance between the hoops.
6. (UK, obsolete) An old measure of capacity, variously estimated at from one to four pecks.

See all 24 meanings of hoop