hat trick

Definition of hat trick

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? More Example Sentences Learn More about hat trick

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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 All-American had nine hat tricks during that season. — Christopher Kuhagen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Our top 100 high school athletes from 2010-19 in southeast Wisconsin," 10 Dec. 2019 The blue liner was on the other side of the faceoff setup, out of the play, when Pastrnak snapped one home for a hat trick -- but Anaheim had iced the puck four consecutive times before that draw, and Lindholm was at fault for three of them. — BostonGlobe.com, "David Krejci skates, but not for long - The Boston Globe," 15 Oct. 2019 Saros stopped Atkinson on a penalty shot with 4:47 remaining in the game, denying his attempt for a hat trick. — Jim Diamond, The Seattle Times, "Atkinson, Panarin lead Blue Jackets over Predators 5-2," 30 Mar. 2019 So once every seven or so games, Martinez is hitting for a hat trick. — Avi Creditor, SI.com, "The MLS XI, Week 14: Don't Hold Your Breath for an MLS Cup Threematch," 4 June 2018 Whittle would add goals 269 and 270 for a hat trick. — baltimoresun.com, "Lacrosse roundup (April 15): Whittle sets Maryland career goals mark in win over Ohio State," 16 Apr. 2018 Hoffman's last hat trick was on Nov, 29, 2016, against Buffalo. — Paul Gereffi, sun-sentinel.com, "Panthers get Hoffman hat trick, stave off Lightning rally in home opener," 6 Oct. 2019 Hoffman’s last hat trick was on Nov, 29, 2016 against Buffalo. — Paul Gereffi, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Hoffman hat trick leads Panthers over Lightning," 5 Oct. 2019 In March 2000 a Steffan Iverson hat trick helped Spurs romp to a 7-2 victory, whilst Jermaine Defoe would also score three in a 5-1 win for the Lilywhites during the 2004/2005 season. — SI.com, "Tottenham vs Southampton Preview: Where to Watch, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News," 25 Sep. 2019

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

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Last Updated

20 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Hat trick.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hat%20trick. Accessed 24 January 2020.

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