hat

[ hat ]

noun

1. a shaped covering for the head, usually with a crown and brim, especially for wear outdoors.
2. Roman Catholic Church.
   1. the distinctive head covering of a cardinal.
   2. the office or dignity of a cardinal. Compare red hat.

verb (used with object)

, hat·ted, hat·ting.

1. to provide with a hat; put a hat on.

hat

/ hæt /

noun

1. 1. any of various head coverings, esp one with a brim and a shaped crown
   2. ( in combination )

      hatrack

2. informal.
   a role or capacity
3. at the drop of a hat
   without hesitation or delay
4. I'll eat my hat informal.
   I will be greatly surprised if (something that proves me wrong) happens

   I'll eat my hat if this book comes out late

5. hat in hand
   humbly or servilely
6. keep something under one's hat
   to keep something secret
7. my hat informal.
   interjection
   1. my word! my goodness!
   2. nonsense!
8. old hat
   something stale or old-fashioned
9. out of a hat
   1. as if by magic
   2. at random
10. pass the hat round or send the hat round
    to collect money, as for a cause
11. take off one's hat to
    to admire or congratulate
12. talk through one's hat
    1. to talk foolishly
    2. to deceive or bluff
13. throw one's hat at it
    to give up all hope of getting or achieving something

    you can throw your hat at it now

14. throw one's hat in the ring or toss one's hat in the ring
    to announce one's intentions to be a candidate or contestant

verb

1. tr to supply (a person, etc) with a hat or put a hat on (someone)

Derived Forms

• ˈhatless, adjective
• ˈhatˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• hatless adjective
• hatless·ness noun
• hatlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hat¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English hætt; cognate with Old Norse hǫttr hood; akin to hood ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hat¹

Old English hætt; related to Old Norse höttr cap, Latin cassis helmet; see hood ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. hat in hand, humbly; respectfully:

   He approached the boss, hat in hand.

2. pass the hat, to ask for contributions of money, as for charity; take up a collection:

   The lodge members passed the hat to send underprivileged children to summer camp.

3. take off one's hat to, to express high regard for; praise:

   We took off our hats to their courage and daring.

4. talk through one's hat, to speak without knowing the facts; make unsupported or incorrect statements:

   He is talking through his hat when he says he'll make the team.

5. throw / toss one's hat in the ring, to become a participant in a contest, especially to declare one's candidacy for political office:

   His friends are urging him to throw his hat in the ring.

6. under one's hat, confidential; private; secret:

   I'll tell you the real story, but keep it under your hat.

7. wear two / several hats, to function in more than one capacity; fill two or more positions:

   He wears two hats, serving as the company's comptroller as well as its chief executive officer.

More idioms and phrases containing hat

• at the drop of a hat
• brass hat
• eat one's hat
• hang on to your hat
• hang up (one's hat)
• hard hat
• hats off to
• keep under one's hat
• knock into a cocked hat
• pass the hat
• pull out of a hat
• take one's hat off to
• talk through one's hat
• throw one's hat in the ring
• wear another hat
• cap

Example Sentences

“It’s still a pillar of ours and we have to hang our hat on it,” Foster said.

From Los Angeles Times

Students wore “Make America Great Again” T-shirts and hats, toted at least two Trump cardboard cutouts and cheered loudly as a school security guard brandished a Trump banner.

From Los Angeles Times

He was identified by a golf hat and a distinct key fob that he was wearing during the riot that matched other online photos of Mr Williams.

From BBC

She was wearing slippers, comfy pants, a Dodgers hat and a T-shirt that said “Hecho en Highland Park CA” — Made in Highland Park.

From Los Angeles Times

He stole a hat from a Mountain Warehouse store, and started using a bicycle he found, his trial heard previously.

From BBC

Related Words

• fedora
• headgear
• helmet