trick-or-treat

¹

[trik-er-treet]

verb (used without object)

1. to become involved or take part in trick or treat.

trick or treat

²

noun

1. a children's Halloween custom, in which they call on neighbors, using this phrase, and threaten to play a trick if a treat is not given.

trick or treat

1. the cry by children at Halloween when they call at houses, indicating that they want a present or money or else they will play a trick on the householder

Other Word Forms

• trick-or-treater noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of trick-or-treat¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Origin of trick-or-treat²

First recorded in 1940–45

Idioms and Phrases

A greeting by children asking for treats on Halloween and threatening to play a trick on those who refuse to give them. For example, The children went from house to house, shouting “Trick or treat!” [c. 1940]