hard hat

noun

for sense 1 usually

ˈhärd-ˈhat 

for senses 1b and 2

ˈhärd-ˌhat 

1

a

: a protective hat made of rigid material (such as metal or fiberglass) and worn especially by construction workers

b

: a construction worker

2

: a conservative who is intolerant of opposing views

Examples of hard hat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ready to go thanks in part to members of the school community, including students and parents, who put on hard hats to help bring in new desks and other supplies. — Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Lettering and plaques are being added inside as well as outside, and construction crews in hard hats hover on the sidewalks. — Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2026

Wilburn allegedly posed as a utility worker, wearing a hard hat and a reflective vest, to gain entry into the apartment, which was occupied by a man, a woman, and a 13-year-old boy. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026

Workers in hard hats and mountains of dirt fill empty lots directly across from the new restaurants. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for hard hat

• begat
• bobcat
• chitchat
• doormat
• ducat
• eclat
• format
• hazmat
• muskrat
• nonfat
• polecat
• thereat

Kids Definition

hard hat

noun

1

: a protective helmet worn especially by construction workers

2

: a construction worker