hat trick

noun

: the scoring of three goals in one game (as of hockey or soccer) by a single player

: the dismissing (see dismiss sense 4) of three batsmen with three consecutive balls by a bowler in cricket

: a series of three victories, successes, or related accomplishments

scored a hat trick when her three best steers corralled top honors—

People

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

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On recent form, the Brazillian has looked hot, but a hat trick against Dortmund should be weighed alongside an anonymous display in Barcelona's weekend rout, as is always the case with a wide player. —

Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 This past weekend Inter Miami ended the season with 74 points, breaking the MLS record for most scored in a season, and Messi notched a hat trick for the first time with the U.S. league. —

Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024 Messi bagged a hat trick in the 6-0 rout, with two of his goals coming in the 84th and 86th minutes. —

Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 Mikko Rantanen scored a hat trick for Colorado, the eight of his career. —

Alayna Alvarez, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hat trick