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 honorsPeople

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
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.
Nashville was left reeling by a Messi hat trick in the regular season finale, while Miami also has bragging rights over Nashville after their 2023 Leagues Cup final thriller. Avi Creditor, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Stafford broke the London record with five passing touchdowns, while Adams joined the pantheon of Wembley Stadium hat tricks with three receiving TDs as the Rams beat the Jaguars 35-7. Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025 Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC trailed Messi by five goals in the Golden Boot race after Messi’s hat trick and failed to score against Colorado in the late game. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 The North Carolina Courage spoiled Bay FC’s last home game of the season Friday night as Manaka Matsukubo’s hat trick led to a resounding 4-1 win, matching the most lopsided home loss in Bay’s two-year history. Jon Becker, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hat trick

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hat trick was in 1869

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Cite this Entry

“Hat trick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hat%20trick. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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