Meaning & use
hoop earrings
Last updated
Meaning
nounplural
Earrings shaped like a circle or ring, usually made of metal.
Grammar: Plural noun; use 'a pair of hoop earrings' for one set, or 'a hoop earring' for one item.
Patterns
- a pair of hoop earrings
- wear hoop earrings
- gold hoop earrings
She wore large gold hoop earrings to the party.
He bought his sister a pair of silver hoop earrings.
Small hoop earrings are popular with teenagers.
Word forms
| singular | hoop earring |
|---|
Common combinations
- gold hoop earrings
- She prefers simple gold hoop earrings.
- large hoop earrings
- Large hoop earrings can catch on scarves.
- a pair of hoop earrings
- He gave her a pair of hoop earrings for her birthday.
- wear hoop earrings
- Many dancers wear hoop earrings during performances.
- small hoop earrings
- Small hoop earrings are comfortable for everyday wear.
Synonyms and how they differ
- hoops
- Informal short form for hoop earrings; only clear from context, as 'hoops' can also mean the rings themselves.
- circle earrings
- Not a standard term; learners may say this, but native speakers say hoop earrings.
Word family
- hoop noun
- A circular band of metal, wood, or plastic.
- hooped adjective
- Having a hoop or hoops, as in hooped earrings.
Commonly confused: hoop earrings or loop earrings?
hoop earrings vs loop earrings
'Loop' means a curve or circle of rope, wire, or thread, not a piece of jewelry; 'hoop earrings' is the correct term.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
Earrings normally come in pairs, so 'a pair of hoop earrings' is correct. Option 1 uses 'a' with a plural; option 3 keeps 'earring' singular after 'pair of'; option 4 has no article or plural.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hoop earrings”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.