Hop
/hɑːp/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo move by jumping with both feet together or with one foot.
/hɑːp/
To move by jumping with both feet together.
The children hopped along the sidewalk.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to get across a puddle or a small stream without getting your shoes wet. You might *hop* over it, using both your feet to jump.
👶 For kids: To jump with both feet together, like a bunny!
More Examples
She hopped over the obstacle.
The bird hopped from branch to branch.
How It's Used
"The rabbit hopped across the field."
"He hopped over the puddle."
A jump or leap.
/hɑːp/
A jump or leap with both feet together.
The dog took a hop and caught the ball.
💡 Simply: Think about that time you took a quick jump or leap. That action, that jump, is a *hop*.
👶 For kids: The jump you make with both feet together.
More Examples
She gave a little hop to get on the wall.
He covered a surprising distance with a single hop.
How It's Used
"He took a quick hop over the line."
"A long hop allowed him to cross the finish line."
A climbing plant of the genus Humulus, whose flowers (cones) are used in brewing beer to add bitterness and aroma.
/hɑːp/
The plant whose flowers are used in brewing beer.
Hops are a key ingredient in many types of beer.
💡 Simply: If you're a beer fan, you'll know *hops*! They're a plant whose flowers are used to make beer. They give beer its bitter taste and distinct aroma.
👶 For kids: A plant that helps make yummy beer for grown-ups.
More Examples
The farmer cultivated a field of hops.
The brewery imported hops from Germany.
How It's Used
"The IPA is known for its strong hop flavor."
"Hops are grown in many parts of the world for beer production."
Idioms & expressions
hop on
To get on or onto something quickly.
"Hop on the bus, we're late!"
hop off
To get off or dismount from something quickly.
"Hop off the train at the next stop."
From Middle English *hoppen*, from Old English *hoppian* ('to leap, jump'), related to Dutch *hoppen* and German *hüpfen*.
The word 'hop' (verb) has been used since Old English times, reflecting the physical action of jumping. The noun for the plant emerged later, specifically in reference to brewing.
Memory tip
Think of a bunny – it hops!
Word Origin
"to leap"