hat
/hæt/ UK /hæt/ · US /hæt/
A short a CVC word (æ) in the objects category. It belongs to the -at word family.
objectsHear hat
Tap a sound to hear it on its own, or play the whole word below.
How to Say “hat”
Blend the three sounds together slowly, then speed up: /h/ – /æ/ – /t/ → hat.
Example Sentences with Hat
- Wear a hat in the sun.
- The magician pulled a rabbit from the hat.
- Put on your hat.
- The hat is too big.
- A straw hat for the sun.
How to Spell “hat”
Children most often write this word as hat, haat, hatt. Those errors are useful — each one points to a specific sound the child has not yet connected to a letter.
- The "h" is a soft breath, not a hard sound.
- The short a /æ/ keeps the mouth wide, like in cat and map.
- Write the word and draw a hat around the letters.
Phonics Tip for Hat
"hat" and "cat" differ only in the first sound, which makes them the perfect pair for teaching initial sound blending: /h/ + /æ/ + /t/.
Fun Facts About Hat
Broad brimmed hats were worn in ancient Egypt to keep the sun off, and they had to be made of linen or the wearer was beaten for wasting the material. Hats have been used to show social rank ever since.
More Words in the -at Family
Words that rhyme with hat and end with the same sounds:
Related CVC Words
More words with the short a sound that have their own picture guide:
Other Word Families
Move between families:
Where to Practise Hat
- All short a CVC words — 59 words
- The -at word family
- CVC flash cards — picture cards with audio
- CVC multiple choice quiz
- CVC sentences — read the word in context
- CVC worksheets