Definition of HAT TRICK

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

Kane scored both of England’s goals in a 2-1 win over Tunisia and added a hat trick as the Three Lions humiliated Panama 6-1. — Ben Nuckols, The Seattle Times, "Kickoff: Well-rested Kane still tops World Cup scorers," 2 July 2018 Kacey Knobloch scored a hat trick while Cailin Field added a pair of goals. — Lauren Green, Philly.com, "Wednesday's South Jersey roundup: Allentown advances to South Group 3 final," 30 May 2018 Aidan Carroll scored two straight goals out of the gate in the third quarter to notch a hat trick of his own, leaving Hingham too far behind. — Jake Levin, BostonGlobe.com, "BC High, Acton-Boxboro to meet for Division 1 boys’ lacrosse state title," 16 June 2018 Charlie Baldwin notched a hat trick, but Woodstown fell to Pingry, 17-6, in the South Group 1 state semifinals. — Lauren Green, Philly.com, "Wednesday's South Jersey roundup: Allentown advances to South Group 3 final," 30 May 2018 Joe Robertson had three goals and an assist, and Nakeie Montgomery notched a first-half hat trick to lead a big contribution from the Blue Devils’ midfield. — Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY, "Yale rolls Albany, Duke tops Maryland to set up NCAA men's lacrosse national championship game," 26 May 2018 In scoring twice against Argentina , Mbappe became the first teenager with multiple goals in a World Cup knockout game since a 17-year-old Pele did it twice (including a hat trick against France) in 1958. — Stephen Wade, chicagotribune.com, "France, Uruguay face off in a World Cup clash of styles," 5 July 2018 In scoring twice against Argentina, Mbappe became the first teenager with multiple goals in a World Cup knockout game since a 17-year-old Pele did it twice (including a hat trick against France) in 1958. — Stephen Wade, BostonGlobe.com, "It’ll be France’s speed vs. Uruguay’s defense at World Cup," 4 July 2018 Now the head of the Polish Football Federation, the former Poland striker scored a hat trick against Belgium in the 1982 World Cup, in which Poland finished third. — SI.com, "World Cup Preview: Japan vs Poland - Recent Form, Team News, Predicted Lineups & More," 27 June 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.