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.
Montreal’s Jean Beliveau scores the second fastest hat trick in NHL history in a 4-2 win over Boston. Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 On recent form, the Brazillian has looked hot, but a hat trick against Dortmund should be weighed alongside an anonymous display in Barcelona's weekend rout, as is always the case with a wide player. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 This past weekend Inter Miami ended the season with 74 points, breaking the MLS record for most scored in a season, and Messi notched a hat trick for the first time with the U.S. league. Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024 Messi bagged a hat trick in the 6-0 rout, with two of his goals coming in the 84th and 86th minutes. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 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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Dictionary Entries Near hat trick

Cite this Entry

“Hat trick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hat%20trick. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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