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 Solberg, Patchin and Keim racked up 15-19—34 totals in those contests, including three Patchin hat tricks. — Matt Nevala, Anchorage Daily News, "Low on skaters, high on offense, West Eagles head into state hockey tournament," 13 Feb. 2020 Johnny Walker scored a hat trick Friday night, leading No. 20 Arizona State hockey to a 4-1 win over No. — Jeff Metcalfe, azcentral, "Johnny Walker's hat trick leads No. 20 ASU hockey upset of No. 4 Denver," 6 Dec. 2019 Ibrahimovic scored a hat trick in a 3-2 victory for the Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in July. — Los Angeles Times, "Column: No hype is necessary to sell the LAFC vs. Galaxy rivalry," 23 Oct. 2019 The Sharks forward scored a hat trick in the opening 20 minutes to spark San Jose to a 5-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes at SAP Center. — Ross Mckeon, SFChronicle.com, "Evander Kane’s hat trick in first period powers Sharks’ 3rd win in row," 16 Oct. 2019 Highlight: Carter Chesney scored a hat trick and added an assist for the Cavaliers (5-3, 2-1 CCAL). — Megan Woodward, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Carroll Varsity Roundup (Sept. 26): Century’s Feltz nets game-winner in 2OT field hockey victory over Man Valley," 27 Sep. 2019 John played just two MLS seasons and appeared in 55 games — with the Columbus Crew in 1998-99 — but still recorded five hat tricks. — Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, "Josef Martinez of Atlanta United gets hat trick, now one short of MLS record," 17 Mar. 2018 Topping in his last five games has two hat tricks and a three-assist game. — Dylan Bumbarger, OregonLive.com, "Game thread: Portland Winterhawks at Tri-City Americans," 2 Feb. 2018 Conor Donovan, Swampscott — While notching a hat trick and three assists against Lynn, the senior joined classmate Drew Olivieri this season in reaching 100 career points. — Jim Clark, BostonGlobe.com, "EMass boys’ hockey: Newton North’s Nolan Cooper headlines Players of the Week," 30 Jan. 2020

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

17 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

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

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