This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, December 18, 2025 (40 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
H _ _ _
First and last letters
H _ _ P
Show the answer
About the answer
HOOP as a word: A circular band of metal used to bind a barrel; Any circular band or ring.
HOOP has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
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