red hat

noun

1. the broad-brimmed official hat of a Roman Catholic cardinal, symbolic of the office or rank of a cardinal.

2. a cardinal.

red hat

noun

1. the broad-brimmed crimson hat given to cardinals as the symbol of their rank and office

2. the rank and office of a cardinal

Word History and Origins

Origin of red hat¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

So much so that he proudly wears that bright red hat, which he was giving out in the Oval office, and which retails for $25.

From Los Angeles Times

A separate clip of the incident shows Booker waving to mourners and pushing a fellow student’s red hat.

From Slate

“That’s me,” Banks said, wearing a red hat that had the words Ice Cream written in white letters.

From Los Angeles Times

The governor has begun to sell merchandise, including a red hat emblazoned with the words Newsom Was Right About Everything! and a coffee mug that reads Newsom 2026.

From Slate

Plenty has been said of the racism in Arizona or among Miami Cubans, but it’s certainly not exclusive to the red hat consort.

From Los Angeles Times