Definition of hoop

• n. - A pliant strip of wood or metal bent in a circular form, and united at the ends, for holding together the staves of casks, tubs, etc.
• n. - A ring; a circular band; anything resembling a hoop, as the cylinder (cheese hoop) in which the curd is pressed in making cheese.
• n. - A circle, or combination of circles, of thin whalebone, metal, or other elastic material, used for expanding the skirts of ladies' dresses; crinoline; -- used chiefly in the plural.
• n. - 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.
• n. - An old measure of capacity, variously estimated at from one to four pecks.
• v. t. - To bind or fasten with hoops; as, to hoop a barrel or puncheon.
• v. t. - To clasp; to encircle; to surround.
• v. i. - To utter a loud cry, or a sound imitative of the word, by way of call or pursuit; to shout.
• v. i. - To whoop, as in whooping cough. See Whoop.
• v. t. - To drive or follow with a shout.
• v. t. - To call by a shout or peculiar cry.
• n. - A shout; a whoop, as in whooping cough.
• n. - The hoopoe. See Hoopoe.