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
   at the drop of a hat without hesitation or delay
4. I'll eat my hat informal.
   I'll eat my hat 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
   hat in hand humbly or servilely
6. keep something under one's hat
   keep something under one's hat to keep something secret
7. my hat informal.
   my hat interjection
   1. my word! my goodness!
   2. nonsense!
8. old hat
   old hat something stale or old-fashioned
9. out of a hat
   out of a hat
   1. as if by magic
   2. at random
10. pass the hat round
    pass the hat roundsend the hat round to collect money, as for a cause
11. take off one's hat to
    take off one's hat to to admire or congratulate
12. talk through one's hat
    talk through one's hat
    1. to talk foolishly
    2. to deceive or bluff
13. throw one's hat at it
    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
    throw one's hat in the ringtoss 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

• ˈhatˌlike, adjective
• ˈhatless, 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

Adjusting to changes at the drop of a hat is common in most kitchens, but it’s something Rivera was used to well before he started working in restaurants.

From Eater

Decades after her stint in Scandinavia, she still watched Ingmar Bergman films without the subtitles — and wore a small top hat, conferred on her along with an honorary doctorate by the University of Lund, to academic occasions.

From Ozy

For a fleeting moment, I was Jackie Kennedy sans the pink Chanel suit and matching pillbox hat.

From Washington Blade

Don’t buy GOODYEAR TIRES – They announced a BAN ON MAGA HATS.

From Fortune

In high school, we began knitting, starting with sweaters and hats.

From MIT Technology Review

Stetson returned east in 1865 and created his own hat company, which produced high-quality hats made for outdoor use.

From The Daily Beast

Based on the hat he had created for himself, Stetson made a version called “The Boss of the Plains.”

From The Daily Beast

While panning for gold, he made himself a large hat from the hides he had collected on his trip.

From The Daily Beast

John B. Stetson was born in 1830 in New Jersey, the son of a hat maker.

From The Daily Beast

A gifted marketer, he sent samples of the hat to merchandisers all over the West, asking for a minimum order of a dozen.

From The Daily Beast

Behold a dumpy, comfortable British paterfamilias in a light flannel suit and a faded sun hat.

From Project Gutenberg

On his head was the second-hand hat of some parvenu's coachman, gold lace, cockade and all.

From Project Gutenberg

"I hope you don't think I speak always to strangers, like that," said the girl in the rose hat.

From Project Gutenberg

Afterwards we saw you once or twice at tea at the Ritz, and you took off your hat, so you must have remembered then.

From Project Gutenberg

His face flushed with annoyance, and taking off his soft hat he began to beat it impatiently against his leg as he walked.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fedora
• headgear
• helmet