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 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

Recent Examples on the Web

Last year, Rantanen all but singlehandedly carried the Stars past the Avalanche in the first round, with three points in Game 5, four in Game 6 and four in Game 7, the latter including a single-period hat trick. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 1 May 2026

Westwood attempted to stage a comeback early in the second half, as Hughes drew another free position attempt, and converted to complete a hat trick of her own. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026

Both recorded hat tricks in the Hornets’ 6-1 win. —Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

The Detroit Lions notably did the hat trick of wide receiver first-rounders from 2003 to 2005 to mixed results. —Mike Kaye april 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for hat trick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• joystick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• slapstick

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