red hat

American  

noun

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

2. a cardinal.

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red hat British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of red hat

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

But several wore a red hat, scarf or shawl, recalling the designer's signature colour.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2025

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

From Slate • Sep. 17, 2025

"I have no doubt Scotland will get a red hat in the future, we're just in the sin bin at the moment."

From BBC • May 7, 2025

She wore a green dress with a red hat and shoes.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers