plural hoods
1
a(1)
: a flexible covering for the head and neck
(2)
: a protective covering for the head and face
b
: a covering for a hawk's head and eyes
c
: a covering for a horse's head
also
: blinder
2
a
: an ornamental scarf worn over an academic gown that indicates by its color the wearer's college or university
b
: a color marking or crest on the head of an animal or an expansion of the head that suggests a hood
3
a
: something resembling a hood in form or use
b
: a cover for parts of mechanisms
specifically
: the movable metal covering over the engine of an automobile
c
chiefly British
: a top cover over the passenger section of a vehicle usually designed to be folded back
d
: an enclosure or canopy provided with a draft for carrying off fumes, sprays, smokes, or dusts
e
: a covering for an opening (such as a companion hatch) on a boat
hood
transitive verb
variants
or 'hood
plural hoods or 'hoods
informal
: a neighborhood and especially an inner-city neighborhood
also
: inner city
plural hoods
informal
: hoodlum
… he understands the hood's plight that led him to crime.—
Scott Waldyn
Scott WaldynNamed for his [Elvis Presley's] iconic song of the same name, Jailhouse Rock centers on Vince Everett, a young hood serving a one-year jail sentence for manslaughter.—Jake Dee
Jake Dee1
: state : condition : quality : character
widowerhood
hardihood
2
: time : period
childhood
3
: instance of a (specified) state or quality
falsehood
4
: individuals sharing a (specified) state or character
brotherhood
Synonyms
Examples of hood in a Sentence
Noun (1)
counterfeiters conducting their affairs under a hood of secrecy
Noun (3)
when a gang of hoods started hanging out in front of the store, customers went elsewhere
Recent Examples on the Web
Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
More specifically, the Storm Shift features 60g insulation in zones like the sleeves and hood for mobility, while heavier 100g in the torso provides the core with extra warmth.
—Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 8 Feb. 2025
This metallic number from Levi’s glams up any outfit while providing plenty of warmth with its lined interior and roomy hood (which is also removable).
—Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2025
In the kitchen, Miele appliances, a statement range hood, and enormous quartzite island create a soothing palette.
—Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hood 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Bugatti unveiled its new Tourbillon hypercar last summer to replace the outgoing Chiron hypercar, and, like the Chiron, Bugatti said the Tourbillon would have a 16-cylinder engine under the hood.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
More specifically, the Storm Shift features 60g insulation in zones like the sleeves and hood for mobility, while heavier 100g in the torso provides the core with extra warmth.
—Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 8 Feb. 2025
This metallic number from Levi’s glams up any outfit while providing plenty of warmth with its lined interior and roomy hood (which is also removable).
—Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2025
In the kitchen, Miele appliances, a statement range hood, and enormous quartzite island create a soothing palette.
—Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hood
Dictionary Entries Near hood
Cite this Entry
“Hood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hood. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hood
1 of 3 noun1
: a soft covering for the head and neck often attached to a coat or cape
2
: a marking, crest, or fold on the head of an animal
3
a
: something resembling a hood in form or use
b
: a cover for parts of mechanisms
especially
: the movable metal covering over the engine of an automobile
c
: an enclosure provided with a draft for carrying off disagreeable or harmful fumes, sprays, or dust
hooded
adjective
-əd
-hood
3 of 3 noun suffixˌhu̇d
1
: state : condition : quality
hardihood
2
: time : period
childhood
3
: instance of a state or quality
falsehood
4
: individuals sharing a state or character
brotherhood
Etymology
Noun suffix
Old English hād "condition, quality"
Biographical Definition
Hood
2 of 3biographical name (2)
Samuel 1724–1816 1st Viscount Hood British admiral
Hood
3 of 3biographical name (3)
Thomas 1799–1845 English poet
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