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

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 The attack centers on Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen, who scored 11 goals in qualifying, including a hat trick against Ireland. — Michelle Kaufman, miamiherald, "Peru back after 36 years and is the feel-good team, but France is the team to beat | Miami Herald," 18 May 2018 The defender trailing behind Clevenger could only look on as the sophomore attacker beat the goalkeeper to complete her second-half hat trick. — Kyle Stackpole, Howard County Times, "Clevenger, Simpson power Marriotts Ridge girls lacrosse to comeback win over South River," 18 Apr. 2018 Meanwhile, the Flyers continued turning around their season by clinching a playoff spot Saturday, thanks to a Claude Giroux hat trick against the Rangers. — Aubrey Nagle, Philly.com, "Cosby trial begins, property assessments rise, Flyers and Sixers on a roll | Morning Newsletter," 9 Apr. 2018 The Wolf Pack came into the third period strong, looking to extend their lead, but failed to do so, and Smith of the Americans was able to complete his hat trick at 11:02 of the third, deflecting a Matt Tennyson bid into the net for a 4-4 tie. — Staff Report, courant.com, "Wolf Pack Win Streak Hits Three With 6-4 Victory Over Americans," 18 Mar. 2018 Atlanta added insult to its own injury early in the second half when Miguel Almiron, who scored a hat trick against the Dynamo last season, hit a penalty kick off the left post. — Corey Roepken, Houston Chronicle, "Dynamo dominate Atlanta United in season-opening victory," 3 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.