the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
"After breaking his toe, he carefully hopped across the room to reach the kitchen sink without putting weight on the injured foot."
twining perennials having cordate leaves and flowers arranged in conelike spikes; the dried flowers of this plant are used in brewing to add the characteristic bitter taste to beer
"The brewmaster carefully measured out hops from the garden, knowing their unique ability to give the ale that sharp, defining bitterness."
an informal dance where popular music is played
"The kids are having a hop at the community center tonight, so everyone should bring their dancing shoes."
A short jump.
"The bartender added a fresh sprig of hop to the glass before pouring the draft ale."
The plant (Humulus lupulus) from whose flowers beer or ale is brewed.
In plain English: A hop is a small jump where you push off the ground with your feet and land back on them.
"I took a quick hop on the curb to cross the street."
Usage: Do not use "hop" as a noun to refer to the plant used in brewing beer; that specific meaning is spelled "hop." Instead, reserve the singular noun "hop" for a single jump or leap you make with your feet.
move quickly from one place to another
"She had to hop across the puddle before the rain got heavier."
travel by means of an aircraft, bus, etc.
"She hopped a train to Chicago"
"He hopped rides all over the country"
To jump a short distance.
"The brewer carefully hopped each batch of ale to ensure a crisp bitterness balanced against the malt sweetness."
To impregnate with hops, especially to add hops as a flavouring agent during the production of beer
In plain English: To hop means to jump up and down on your feet quickly.
"I will hop over to the store to grab some milk."
Usage: Use "hop" to mean jumping or leaping into the air, such as when you hop on one foot. Do not use this verb to describe adding flavoring ingredients to beer, which is a specialized technical meaning distinct from everyday usage.
The word "hop" comes from Old English hoppian, meaning to spring or dance. It ultimately traces back to a Proto-Indo-European root related to bending or bowing.