balaclava

[ bahl-uh-klah-vuh, bal- ]

noun
  1. a close-fitting, knitted cap that covers the head, neck, and tops of the shoulders, worn especially by mountain climbers, soldiers, skiers, etc.

Origin of balaclava

1
First recorded in 1880–85; named after Balaklava
  • Also called bal·a·cla·va hel·met [bahl-uh-klah-vuh-hel-mit, bal-] /ˌbɑl əˈklɑ və ˈhɛl mɪt, ˌbæl-/ .

Words Nearby balaclava

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use balaclava in a sentence

  • balaclava was on his list, but he didn't even know it was there that his gallant regiment formed the thin red line.

    In the Ranks of the C.I.V. | Erskine Childers
  • From the harbour of balaclava the ground rises steeply on the west to the high plateau which was entirely occupied by the allies.

    Battles of English History | H. B. (Hereford Brooke) George
  • Don't you know Old Blowy, ma'am—'im as had the good luck to ride at balaclava?

    Workhouse Characters | Margaret Wynne Nevinson
  • I suppose they were colder in their balaclava huts, but I warrant the other atmosphere was much the same.

  • This introduces Mr. Whitehead, for whom I was to paint balaclava.

    An Autobiography | Elizabeth Butler

British Dictionary definitions for Balaclava

Balaclava

Balaclava helmet

/ (ˌbæləˈklɑːvə) /


noun
  1. (often not capitals) a close-fitting woollen hood that covers the ears and neck, as originally worn by soldiers in the Crimean War

Origin of Balaclava

1
C19: named after Balaklava

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012