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

A man wearing a sweatshirt and gray hat who was driving the red Ford Escape was trying to make his way through the crowd, he said.

From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2021

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

He was wearing the same tall gray hat and the remarkable coat.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara