trick or treat

noun

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

[trik-er-treet]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used without object)

to become involved or take part in trick or treat.

trick or treat

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

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Other Word Forms

trick-or-treater noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of trick or treat¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Origin of trick or treat²

First recorded in 1940–45

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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]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

From

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

From

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

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

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“I’ve been using my helmet as a trick or treat basket and wearing my jersey. This year I’m kind of feeling in my horror mood. I’m going to be Freddy Krueger.”

From

trickle-up trick out

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