white hat

American  

[hwahyt hat, wahyt] / ˈʰwaɪt ˈhæt, ˈwaɪt /

noun

Informal.

1. a virtuous hero, especially in a cowboy movie; good guy.

2. Also called white hat hacker.  Computers.  a hacker who violates the security of a system with the knowledge and consent of the owner or developer in order to test the code, without malicious intent.

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white hat British  

noun

1. informal

   1. a computer hacker who is hired by an organization to undertake nonmalicious hacking work in order to discover computer-security flaws

   2. ( as modifier ) Compare black hat

      a white-hat hacker

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Other Word Forms

• white-hat adjective
• white-hatted adjective

Etymology

Origin of white hat

First recorded in 1960–65 white hat for def. 1, and in 1990–95 white hat for def. 2; from the white hat often worn by the virtuous hero in a cowboy movie

Compare meaning

How does white-hat compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• white hat vs. black hat

Example Sentences

Supporters of his so-called “White Hat” movement — after the popular mayor’s signature sombrero — took to the streets of Uruapan and other cities in Michoacán state this month by the tens of thousands to demand a crack-down on organized crime.

From Los Angeles Times

As Quiroz lifted her right hand last week to take the oath of office, she cradled her husband’s trademark white hat in her left arm.

From Los Angeles Times

White hats have been a common sight at demonstrations denouncing his death, and a white hat graced Manzo’s coffin at his funeral.

From Los Angeles Times

Giant owner Horace Stoneham and Veep, Chub Feeney, his nephew, sitting in shirt-sleeves… Virginia Knight is a large white hat; Councilwoman Rosalind Wyman in a baseball cap…

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Musvava, dressed in a bright orange winter jumper and a white hat, appeared despondent.

From BBC

Related Words

• affable
• amiable
• attractive
• charming
• easygoing
• gregarious
• likable
• pleasant