trick or treat

¹

noun

1. a children's Halloween custom, in which they call on neighbors, using this phrase, and threaten to play a trick if a treat is not given.

trick-or-treat

²

[ trik-er-treet ]

verb (used without object)

1. to become involved or take part in trick or treat.

trick or treat

sentence substitute

1. the cry by children at Halloween when they call at houses, indicating that they want a present or money or else they will play a trick on the householder

Other Words From

• trick-or-treater noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of trick or treat¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Origin of trick or treat²

First recorded in 1940–45

Idioms and Phrases

A greeting by children asking for treats on Halloween and threatening to play a trick on those who refuse to give them. For example, The children went from house to house, shouting “Trick or treat!” [c. 1940]

Example Sentences

In “Trick or Treat,” from 1952, Donald pranks his nephews with firecrackers in their candy bags and dumps water on their heads; friendly Witch Hazel, passing by, helps them get revenge.

From Los Angeles Times

She recalls giving out 70 trick or treat bags to children out guising within half an hour one year.

From BBC

Lisa Morton, author of “Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween,” says this shift had been underway for well over half a century before internet memes entered the fray.

From Los Angeles Times

I was still worrying about Garth when the lights temporarily blinded me as Aldo sailed into the classroom, yelling, “Trick or treat!”

From Literature

There is more than a trick or treat bag of candy to be consumed.

From Los Angeles Times