n.1. A circular band of metal or wood put around a cask or barrel to bind the staves together.
2. A large wooden, plastic, or metal ring, especially one used as a plaything or for trained animals to jump through.
3. One of the lightweight circular supports for a hoop skirt.
4. A circular, ringlike earring.
5. One of a pair of circular frames, usually of wood or plastic, used to hold material taut for embroidery or similar needlework.
6. Basketball a. The basket.
b. A field goal: hit a big hoop.
c. also hoops The game of basketball.
7. Sports A croquet wicket.