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noun Uncommon

hopping

Hopping (noun) means the action of jumping on one leg or with small bounds. Example: “The children took turns hopping across the playground.”

noun
1
The action of jumping on one leg or with small bounds.
"The children took turns hopping across the playground."
2
The addition of hops to beer during brewing, as a flavouring.
"Late hopping gives the beer its citrus aroma."
adj
1
Informal: busy or crowded with activity.
"The bar was hopping by midnight."

How to use hopping

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe act of hopping, brewing terminology for adding hops, or (informally) lively and crowded.

When to use it

The "crowded and lively" sense ("the club was hopping") is informal.

Easily confused with

Word forms

more hopping comparative, hoppings plural, hoppings plural, Hoppings plural, most hopping superlative

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The children took turns _____ across the playground.

Etymology

A 17th-century spelling variant of an earlier form, ultimately from the same root as "hop".

· First attested 1600

Class of 1600 hopping joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →

Rhymes for hopping

See all rhymes for hopping →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hopping” mean?

The word “hopping” means the action of jumping on one leg or with small bounds. In plain terms, the act of hopping, brewing terminology for adding hops, or (informally) lively and crowded.

How do you use “hopping” in a sentence?

Here is “hopping” used in a sentence: “The children took turns hopping across the playground.”

What part of speech is “hopping”?

Depending on how it is used, “hopping” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “hopping” come from?

The word “hopping” dates back to around 1600. A 17th-century spelling variant of an earlier form, ultimately from the same root as "hop".

Is “hopping” a common word?

“Hopping” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “hopping” have?

“Hopping” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the action of jumping on one leg or with small bounds.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial