hat trick
noun
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
Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Denis Bouanga’s second hat trick in CONCACAF play and Son Heung-min’s four goal contributions (three assists) in his Champions Cup debut were among the many moments that prompted Burbara to view LAFC as if the club arrived from another dimension.
—Josh Gross, Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026
Recorded a hat trick in a 3-2 win over Austin High and tallied a goal and assist in a 4-3 loss to Akins.
—Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
After rallying to tie BC at Conte Forum, the Huskies gave up three and lost, 5-2, as James Hagens, who could be playing for the Bruins sooner than later, was firing missiles and scoring a hat trick.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hat trick
Cite this Entry
“Hat trick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hat%20trick. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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