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 honors …

—People

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

Pavel Zacha had his second career hat trick, and David Pastrnak also scored for Boston. —CBS News, 9 Mar. 2026

The New Jersey Devils host the Detroit Red Wings after Jack Hughes recorded a hat trick in the Devils' 6-3 win against the New York Rangers. —ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026

Bennett Naustvik recorded a hat trick with three goals -- Dilan Cruz had two assists and Menendez had the other assist on Naustvik's goals. —Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026

Freshman Josh Pence scored a hat trick in the title bout. —Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for hat trick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• joystick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• slapstick

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