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• trick or treat
  trick or treat

  noun

  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
  trick-or-treat

  verb (used without object)

  to become involved or take part in trick or treat.

trick or treat

¹ American  

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.

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trick-or-treat ² American  

[trik-er-treet] / ˈtrɪk ərˈtrit /

verb (used without object)

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

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trick or treat British  

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

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trick or treat Idioms  

1. 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]

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Other Word Forms

• trick-or-treater
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of trick or treat¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Origin of trick-or-treat²

First recorded in 1940–45

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

trick or treat trick-or-treat

The papers asks whether the pre-Halloween announcement is a "trick or treat" before suggesting the discount "will be swallowed up by rising prices".

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026

“I’ve been using my helmet as a trick or treat basket and wearing my jersey. This year I’m kind of feeling in my horror mood. I’m going to be Freddy Krueger.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2023

Some kids can't say "thank you" or "trick or treat" because they're non-speaking.

From Salon ● Oct. 23, 2022

Quintenz teaches them how to trick or treat on Halloween and organizes a mouthwatering international Thanksgiving where students arrive with dishes cooked at home.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 25, 2021

These earmuffs have saved me from screechy subway brakes, piercing flutes, gross Noah sounds, trick or treat yells, wishy-washy Deb, and mean Kiki.

From "Muffled" by Jennifer Gennari

Naturally, it now promotes potatoes as a trick-or-treat option—or “trick-or-tater,” as the association puts it—and suggests any number of Halloween-themed potato recipes, such as one for Devilish Potatoes, a twist on deviled eggs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2025

Sure, my trick-or-treat days may be long behind me, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy my share of holiday candy every October.

From Salon ● Oct. 24, 2023

During the daytime, there are more family-oriented offerings available at Kids Boo Fest, including a trick-or-treat trail and mini mazes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 2023

Byron as a child could trick-or-treat in the neighborhoods of Hendrick, Gordon and Jimmie Johnson; now he’s growing deeper relationships with his one-time heroes.

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 23, 2022

“Wait, I know what I can do! I’ll trick-or-treat for you!”

From "Lucky Broken Girl" by Ruth Behar

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