hat trick

noun

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of hat trick

1 : the retiring of three batsmen with three consecutive balls by a bowler in cricket

2 : the scoring of three goals in one game (as of hockey or soccer) by a single player

3 : a series of three victories, successes, or related accomplishments

scored a hat trick when her three best steers corralled top honors
—People

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Recent Examples of hat trick from the Web

BC High 11, Needham 6 — Sophomore attack Aidan Carroll netted a hat trick and long-stick midfielder Martin Folan provided a standout effort on both ends for the Eagles (2-0).

— nate weitzer, BostonGlobe.com, "Hingham boys’ lacrosse tops St. John’s Prep," 7 Apr. 2018
His replacement, 29-year-old Chris Cortez, scored the first hat trick in club history and was subsequently named the USL player of the week.

— katherine fitzgerald, azcentral, "Phoenix Rising FC hopeful Didier Drogba returns after missing first two games," 30 Mar. 2018
Close scored twice in the final period to notch a hat trick and help close out the game, including knocking Tri-Town goalie Peyton Emrick from the game.

— sean begin, courant.com, "Division III Hockey: Tri-Town Falls To Eastern CT, 7-3," 17 Mar. 2018
Madrid will likely start favorite against Juventus in pursuit of a record-extending 13th European title and a first hat trick since Bayern won its third title in a row in 1976.

— Bloomberg.com, "Real Madrid Faces Juventus in Champions League Quarterfinals," 16 Mar. 2018
Sadio Mane scored a hat trick, and Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino scored as well, as Liverpool continued its high-scoring ways with a 5-0 rout of Porto in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 series.

— avi creditor, SI.com, "WATCH: Mane Hat Trick, Salah, Firmino Goals Lead Liverpool in UCL Rout of Porto," 14 Feb. 2018
Admirals 5, IceHogs 3: Justin Kirkland had a hat trick and visiting Milwaukee turned back Rockford.

— Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Sports briefs Friday," 9 Feb. 2018
Michael Doughty and Cole Iannarino scored hat tricks, while Tyler Reiff, Kyle Dry, Eric Gruber, Tyler Nalls and Justin Silk had two goals apiece.

— tim schwartz, Howard County Times, "Glenelg boys lacrosse rocks Mt. Hebron, 19-3," 28 Mar. 2018
Gryffin The indie dance act had a strong 2017 featuring a hat trick of releases that visited Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic chart.

— billboard staff, Billboard, "Billboard Dance 100 Artists of 2018: The Complete List," 22 Mar. 2018

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.

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.

Origin and Etymology of hat trick

probably from the former practice of rewarding the feat with the gift of a hat

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1869

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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HAT TRICK Defined for English Language Learners

hat trick

noun

Definition of hat trick for English Language Learners

: three goals scored by one player in a game of ice hockey, soccer, etc.

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hat trick

Definition of hat trick

hat trick was our Word of the Day on 04/16/2015. Hear the podcast!

Recent Examples of hat trick from the Web

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Origin and Etymology of hat trick

HAT TRICK Defined for English Language Learners

hat trick

Definition of hat trick for English Language Learners

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hat trick

Definition of hat trick

hat trick was our Word of the Day on 04/16/2015. Hear the podcast!

Recent Examples of hat trick from the Web

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Origin and Etymology of hat trick

HAT TRICK Defined for English Language Learners

hat trick

Definition of hat trick for English Language Learners

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