hat trick

noun

1
: the scoring of three goals in one game (as of hockey or soccer) by a single player
2
: the dismissing (see dismiss sense 4) of three batsmen with three consecutive balls by a bowler in cricket
3
: a series of three victories, successes, or related accomplishments
scored a hat trick when her three best steers corralled top honorsPeople

Did you know?

It may surprise some people to learn that the term "hat trick" as it relates to sports actually originated in British cricket. A bowler who retired three batsmen with three consecutive balls was entitled to a new hat at the expense of the club to commemorate this feat. Eventually, the phrase was applied to a single player scoring three goals in any goal sport and later to three victories or successes in sports as different as horse racing and golf. The phrase finally broadened to include a string of three important successes or achievements in any field.

Examples of hat trick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sullivan correctly noted Crosby probably could have turned a hat trick in the third period. Rob Rossi, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024 Murphy, who had a hat trick Nov. 22 against St. Cloud State, converted a feed from Chloe Primerano to make it 4-0 at 14:35. Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 6 Dec. 2024 Scoring in that matchup for Los Blancos was Vinicius Jr., who bagged a hat trick, and English star midfielder Jude Bellingham. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2024 Abbie Morris had a hat trick and the host Bruins shut out the Blazers in Class 4A. Faith Everett had a goal and two assists and Cate Imber scored twice for Broadneck. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hat trick 

Word History

Etymology

probably from the former practice of rewarding the feat with the gift of a hat

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of hat trick was in 1869

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Dictionary Entries Near hat trick

Cite this Entry

“Hat trick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hat%20trick. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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