white hat
Americannoun
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a virtuous hero, especially in a cowboy movie; good guy.
-
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.
noun
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
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She chose not to wear the white hat and veil again and also arrived without the white umbrella - but that did not stop some fans in the stands trying to imitate the already-iconic look.
From BBC
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
