gray hat

American  

[grey hat] / ˈgreɪ ˈhæt /

noun

Computers Informal.

1. a hacker who violates the security of a system without true malicious intent but often without the prior knowledge or consent of the owner or developer, and who later reports system vulnerabilities to the authorities, sometimes for personal profit.

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Etymology

Origin of gray hat

First recorded in 2000–05; modeled after gray market ( def. )

Example Sentences

I wore a long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans and a gray hat I had purchased the night before.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2025

The photos show Barnette, wearing a winter coat and gray hat, walking behind two Proud Boys members who were later indicted for participating in the Capitol riot.

From Reuters • May 16, 2022

Incoming Timberwolves owner Marc Lore, who's partnering with Alex Rodriguez to buy the club from Glen Taylor, sat courtside in a blue mask and a gray hat and had a blast watching the action.

From Fox News • Oct. 20, 2021

Leslie Seelye was one of them, decked out in a blue Edgar jersey, an Edgar Hall of Fame undershirt and a worn gray hat with the number 11 across the front.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 21, 2019

He had on his dark gray, striped, double-breasted suit and his gray hat.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok