old hat

adjective

1
2
: lacking in freshness : trite

Examples of old hat in a Sentence

I suppose my favorite joke's a bit old hat by now. Making hit movies is old hat for him.
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.
Being at the Oscars is old hat for Elton, but still a new experience for you, Brandi. Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025 Of course, performing is old hat for Stewart, who began his solo career in 1969. Mark Gray, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 For Will Smith and Austin Barnes — two backstops who have caught World Series games — this drill is old hat. Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 Campy, naughty, a little shocking, and a little old hat, The White Lotus’s third season has its flaws and its hang-ups, without question. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for old hat

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of old hat was in 1911

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Cite this Entry

“Old hat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old%20hat. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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