as in thugs
a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang
when a gang of hoods started hanging out in front of the store, customers went elsewhere
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as in cloaks
something that covers or conceals like a piece of cloth
counterfeiters conducting their affairs under a hood of secrecy
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Recent Examples of hoods
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026
The amusement park–goers crowded into a narrow boat in Great America, 1994, emerge from a tunnel of love chased by ghosts evoking Klan hoods.
—James Meyer, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
When the family and an officer reached the dormitory entrance, a group of people in masks and hoods proceeded to rush out and begin violently attacking the family and others, attorneys said.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Turtle Fur Double-layer Neck Warmer Turtle Fur’s gaiters, hoods, and balaclavas are buttery-soft and make great presents for everyone on your list.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2025
And in addition to oversized hoods, waist-cinching toggles, jacquard trims, and pom-poms, Perfect Moment’s signature North Star logo is dotted across all the styles.
—Victoria Montalti, Refinery29, 1 Dec. 2025
Here's how to degrease kitchen cabinets, hoods, and ranges to create a less sticky cooking environment.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025
The researchers also wore hoods and gloves when possible during field ops.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
And now Orange Mound is one of the most violent hoods in Memphis, Tennessee.
—Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
For example, designers anticipate prioritizing vent hoods that powerfully (and quietly) filter smoke, steam, and odor, and dishwashers that provide a quiet, not just effective, clean.
—Cite this Entry
“Hoods.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoods. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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