trick or treat

¹

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

²

[trik-er-treet]

verb (used without object)

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

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]

Example Sentences

They knock on doors saying “trick or treat” and “thank you”—learning how to ask and receive, establish trust and courtesy on both sides, and contribute to civic life.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She recalls giving out 70 trick or treat bags to children out guising within half an hour one year.

Read more on BBC

There is more than a trick or treat bag of candy to be consumed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Perhaps you have a long walk around your neighborhood, so you get exercise while you trick or treat.

Read more on Salon

Costumes, trick or treat, carved pumpkins and all that are festive.

Read more on Washington Times