hat

noun \ ˈhat \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of hat

1 : a covering for the head usually having a shaped crown and brim

2 a : a distinctive head covering worn as a symbol of office

b : an office, position, or role assumed by or as if by the wearing of a special hat

wore many hats in her career

—

hatless

play \ˈhat-ləs\ adjective

— under one's hat

: not disclosed

kept the news under his hat

See hat defined for English-language learners

See hat defined for kids

Examples of hat in a Sentence

in those days, no properly dressed person left home without a hat

Recent Examples of hat from the Web

The council asks volunteers to bring gloves, brooms, rakes and clippers if possible, and to wear protective clothing, sunscreen and a hat.

— don stacom, Courant Community, "Ahead of Earth Day, Central Connecticut Groups Offer Volunteer Park, Trail Cleanups," 13 Apr. 2018
Jane in New Jersey Dear Readers: A jaunty straw or felt hat for spring can be the perfect accessory to hide a bad hair day, or to complement a flirty dress.

— heloise, Houston Chronicle, "Hands in the air?," 12 Apr. 2018
Two toy owls perched near his head, and a Cubs hat rested near his left side.

— hannah leone, Aurora Beacon-News, "Aurora man killed in shootout with police had complicated history," 11 Apr. 2018
The Dallas Cowboys' official 2018 NFL Draft hat has been unveiled by New Era.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "Check out the Cowboys' official 2018 draft cap | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 10 Apr. 2018
The only thing missing from this year's NFL draft hats are hashtags.

— richard morin, azcentral, "New Era reveals 2018 NFL draft hats, complete with slogans for all 32 teams," 10 Apr. 2018
Each team will have a draft-specific hat for the picks from April 26-28.

— scott horner, Indianapolis Star, "NFL Draft 2018: Twitter has jokes about Colts draft hats," 10 Apr. 2018
The lights turned off, and Undertaker's hat and coat appeared in the ring, which were then struck by lightning.

— aaron oster, baltimoresun.com, "Ronda Rousey steals the show at Wrestlemania 34 in New Orleans," 9 Apr. 2018
The lights went out again — and Undertaker’s hat and coat were in the ring.

— jay reddick, OrlandoSentinel.com, "WrestleMania 34 recap: Lesnar beats Reigns; Rousey, Styles win," 9 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of hat

Middle English, from Old English hæt; akin to Old High German huot head covering — more at hood

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

hat Synonyms

Synonyms

cap, chapeau, headdress, headgear, headpiece, lid [slang];

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

hat

verb

Definition of hat

hatted; hatting

transitive verb

: to furnish or provide with a hat

intransitive verb

: to make or supply hats

First Known Use of hat

15th century

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

HAT Defined for English Language Learners

hat

noun

Definition of hat for English Language Learners

: a covering for the head that often has a brim and a rounded or flat top

HAT Defined for Kids

hat

noun \ ˈhat \

Definition of hat for Students

: a covering for the head having a crown and usually a brim

Learn More about hat

See words that rhyme with hat Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hat Spanish Central: Translation of hat Nglish: Translation of hat for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hat for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hat

Seen and Heard

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hat

Definition of hat

hatless

Examples of hat in a Sentence

Recent Examples of hat from the Web

Origin and Etymology of hat

hat Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Other Clothing Terms

hat

Definition of hat

First Known Use of hat

Other Clothing Terms

Phrases Related to HAT

Related Phrases

HAT Defined for English Language Learners

hat

Definition of hat for English Language Learners

HAT Defined for Kids

hat

Definition of hat for Students

Learn More about hat

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