hat

1 of 2

noun

1
: a covering for the head usually having a shaped crown and brim
2
a
: a distinctive head covering worn as a symbol of office
b
: an office, position, or role assumed by or as if by the wearing of a special hat
wore many hats in her career
hatless adjective

hat

2 of 2

verb

hatted; hatting

transitive verb

: to furnish or provide with a hat

intransitive verb

: to make or supply hats
Phrases
under one's hat
: not disclosed
kept the news under his hat

Examples of hat in a Sentence

Noun in those days, no properly dressed person left home without a hat
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Like Hilton Rothschild, Vallance wore a matching hat, hers wide-brimmed and tilted to the side, completing her look with gold hoop statement earrings. Maggie Clancy, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024 In new viral clips shared to X (formerly Twitter), Swift could be seen walking down the catwalk before squatting down and presenting the hat to Eloise, who was dressed in a sequin jacket and silver dress reminiscent of Swift's tour wardrobe. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 3 Nov. 2024 Head lice sometimes spread when sharing clothing, hats, or other items where the lice have attached themselves to hair present on these items. Wendy Wisner, Health, 3 Nov. 2024 Female stars, meanwhile, mix comfort with fabulousness in everything from loose dresses to baggy suits toned down with flats … and, of course, paparazzi-proof sunglasses and hats. Merle Ginsberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hat 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hæt; akin to Old High German huot head covering — more at hood entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of hat was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near hat

Cite this Entry

“Hat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hat. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hat

noun
ˈhat
1
: a covering for the head usually having a shaped crown and brim
2
a
: a distinctive head covering worn as a symbol of office
b
: an office, position, or role assumed as if by the wearing of a special hat
wears many hats in her job

More from Merriam-Webster on hat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!